Explosions rocked Tehran in the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, after the Israeli Air Force launched an offensive against Iran’s nuclear facilities and military targets, including the Natanz plant, considered the heart of Iran’s uranium enrichment program. The attack, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, killed the head of the Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Salami, and nuclear scientists, according to Iranian and Israeli sources. Israel declared a state of emergency and closed its airspace, while Iran vowed a “harsh and decisive” response. The operation, conducted without U.S. involvement, comes amid stalled nuclear talks and heightens the risk of regional conflict.

The Iranian government reported attacks on residential areas and military bases, with footage showing smoke over the capital. The operation aimed to neutralize Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which Israel claims could produce 15 nuclear bombs. Tensions between the two nations, already strained by years of hostility, have reached a new peak.

Targets included:

• The Natanz plant, Iran’s main uranium enrichment center.
• Military facilities in Khandab and Khoramabad.
• Residential complexes of military commanders in Tehran.
• Senior nuclear scientists, such as Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi.

The international community watches with concern, while airlines suspended flights over Israel, Iran, and Iraq.

Strategic targets of the offensive
The choice of targets reflects Israel’s intent to dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The Natanz plant, located in central Iran, sustained significant explosions, as reported by Iranian state TV. Tehran authorities confirmed damage to the facility, which houses advanced centrifuges for uranium enrichment. An Israeli military official stated the attack aimed to disrupt the production of fissile material, critical for nuclear weapons.

Beyond Natanz, strikes hit Khandab, home to a heavy water reactor, and Khoramabad, a ballistic missile base. Reports indicate residential complexes of senior military figures, such as Shahrak Shahid Mahalati, were destroyed, killing commanders and their families. The precision of the attacks suggests advanced intelligence, with drones and F-35 jets operating in coordination.

Immediate reaction in Tehran
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is alive and monitoring the situation, according to security sources cited by Reuters. In a statement, he vowed that Israel would face a “bitter fate” for the attack, which he called a crime against Iranian sovereignty. State TV broadcast images of firefighters amid debris, while residents of cities like Isfahan and Kermanshah reported explosions.

An Iranian official revealed the government is planning a “harsh and decisive” retaliation, with details being discussed at the highest levels. The Revolutionary Guard, now without its chief Hossein Salami, mobilized units to protect strategic facilities. Tehran’s population, caught off guard by the overnight strikes, faces uncertainty, with reports of panic in targeted residential areas.

Israel’s statements
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the operation as a “decisive moment” for Israel’s security. In a televised address, he justified the strikes as a preemptive measure against Iran’s nuclear threat. “We will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons,” he stated, highlighting Natanz as the primary target. Netanyahu also noted the elimination of nuclear scientists, seen as key to Iran’s program.

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a state of emergency and ordered the closure of Israeli airspace, anticipating missile and drone reprisals. An Israeli military official, cited by Reuters, claimed Iran could produce 15 nuclear bombs in days, justifying the operation’s urgency. Israeli society, accustomed to tensions, braces for potential retaliatory attacks.

U.S. stance
The United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration, confirmed it did not participate in the operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the priority is protecting U.S. forces in the region. The White House, which evacuated Middle East embassies the previous day, fears escalation could target American assets, as Iran threatened to strike U.S. bases in response.

Trump, who in April opposed an Israeli strike to preserve nuclear talks, expressed pessimism about a deal with Iran. In a recent New York Post interview, he said he was “far less confident” in a treaty. The withdrawal of U.S. diplomats and troops from Iraq and other areas reflects concerns over regional instability.

Nuclear tensions in focus
The attack comes at a critical juncture for Iran’s nuclear program. On Thursday, Iran announced the construction of a third enrichment facility, defying the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency, which censured Tehran for lack of cooperation, warned that Iran possesses uranium enriched to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels.

Key aspects of Iran’s nuclear program:

• Natanz: Main enrichment center, capable of operating thousands of centrifuges.
• Fordow: Underground facility, more protected against airstrikes.
• Khandab: Heavy water reactor, used for nuclear research.
• Uranium stockpile: Sufficient for 9 to 15 bombs, per IAEA and Israeli reports.

Iran’s decision to expand its nuclear capacity heightened tensions with Israel, which views a nuclear Iran as an existential threat.

Immediate regional impact
The offensive triggered immediate regional repercussions. Airlines suspended flights over Israel, Iran, and Iraq, per Flightradar24 data. Neighboring countries, such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia, bolstered border security, fearing escalation. In Lebanon, Hezbollah, an Iranian ally, condemned the attack and pledged support for Tehran.

Tel Aviv’s stock exchange saw declines, while global oil prices rose nearly 5%, reflecting uncertainty. Analysts warn that Iranian retaliation could target civilian areas in Israel, like Tel Aviv, or critical infrastructure, such as power plants.

History of hostilities
Tensions between Israel and Iran span decades, marked by cyberattacks, scientist assassinations, and bombings. In 2024, Iran launched over 150 missiles at Israel in retaliation for the deaths of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. Israel, in turn, escalated operations against Iranian targets in Syria and Lebanon.

Recent events escalating the conflict:

• April 2024: Iran attacks Israel with missiles after allied leaders’ deaths.
• October 2024: Israel bombs Iranian targets in Syria.
• June 2025: Iran announces new nuclear facility, defying the IAEA.

The current offensive marks Israel’s boldest strike on Iranian soil, raising the risk of open war.

International response
The international community voiced concern over the escalation. The UN called an emergency Security Council meeting to address the crisis. Russia, an Iranian ally, condemned the attack as a “violation of international law.” China urged restraint, while the European Union warned of a regional conflict risk.

Gulf nations, like the United Arab Emirates, remained silent but strengthened air defenses. Turkey, with strained ties to Israel, criticized the operation and offered humanitarian aid to Iran.

Preparations for retaliation
Iran mobilized its armed forces and placed air defense systems on high alert. A security official, cited by Reuters, stated the response would be “proportional and devastating.” Experts speculate Iran may launch ballistic missiles at Israel or target U.S. assets in the Persian Gulf.

The Revolutionary Guard, despite losing Hossein Salami, retains a robust command structure. Analysts believe Iran could coordinate attacks with allies like Hezbollah and Iraqi militias, broadening the conflict’s scope.