The Israeli military says it has completed the first stage of strikes
The Israeli military has said it has completed the first stage of strikes that included attacks on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran.
Dozens of Air Force aircraft recently completed the opening strike, which included attacking dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in various areas of Iran.”
The IDF has been conducting a lengthy process of assessments and preparations for the campaign at the front and in the rear. Civilian resilience will be an important component of the campaign.”
In a statement, the IDF said “Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are a threat to the State of Israel and a significant threat to the entire world. The State of Israel will not allow a regime whose goal is the destruction of the State of Israel to possess weapons of mass destruction.”
צה״ל פתח במתקפת מנע לפגיעה בתוכנית הגרעין האיראנית
דובר צה״ל מודיע כי לפני זמן קצר, צה״ל יצא בהנחיית הדרג המדיני למתקפת מנע מדויקת ומשולבת המבוססת על מודיעין איכותי, במטרה לפגוע בתוכנית הגרעין האיראנית ובתגובה לתוקפנות המתמשכת של המשטר האיראני על ישראל. עשרות מטוסים של חיל…
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) June 13, 2025
Key events
Israel says its strikes likely killed senior Iranian officials
Israel’s strikes on Iran on Friday have likely killed members of Iran’s general staff, including the chief of staff and several senior nuclear scientists, an Israeli defence official said.
Barak Ravid from US publication Axios has said that the Iranian military General Staff, including the Iranian Chief of Staff and senior nuclear scientists, were all targeted in the Israeli strikes.
BREAKING: An Israeli defense official said that the Iranian military General Staff, including the Iranian Chief of Staff and senior nuclear scientists were targeted in the Israeli strikes. “There is increasing likelihood that they were all eliminated”, the official said https://t.co/Ba5Vn37yr5
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) June 13, 2025
Some scenes from Tehran on Friday morning after people in Iran’s capital heard the sound of explosions from Israel’s strikes in the country.
Explosion reported near Natanz nuclear facility
A witness in Nantanz, Iran, has told Reuters said multiple explosions were heard near a uranium enrichment facility.
Israel has targeted the Nantanz facility, Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement earlier.
The facility at Natanz is estimated to be 80-100 metres deep and experts have warned that it would be difficult for Israel to deal an enduring blow to Iran’s deeply buried nuclear facilities.
Some reaction is coming in from around the world.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that the Israeli air strikes on Iran was a “really unwelcome development” and that the conflict raised serious concerns for the Middle East.
“That region does not need any more military action and the risk associated with that … the last thing the region needs is more instability,” Luxon told reporters.
Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong said Australia was “alarmed by the escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran” amid reports of explosions in Tehran. Wong said:
“This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions.
We all understand the need, the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program, it represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.”
Iran missile and drone attack on Israel expected in ‘immediate timeframe’ – defence minister
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz has said “following the preemptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV [drone] attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate timeframe.”
Therefore, and in accordance with his authority under the Civil Defense Law, Defence Minister Israel Katz has now signed a special order, according to which a special state of emergency will be imposed in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel.”
Iraq closes airspace, suspends flights at all airports: state media
Iraqi state media has reported that its airspace has been closed and flights at all airports have been suspended.
The US state department said on Wednesday it had ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel from the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, based on its commitment “to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad”.
The Israeli air force has said that dozens of air craft took part in an “opening strike” on various areas of Iran.
It says the strikes were launched based on “high-quality intelligence, with the aim of damaging the Iranian nuclear program and in response to the Iranian regime’s ongoing aggression against Israel.”
לפני זמן קצר, צה״ל יצא בהנחיית הדרג המדיני למתקפת מנע מדויקת ומשולבת המבוססת על מודיעין איכותי, במטרה לפגוע בתוכנית הגרעין האיראנית ובתגובה לתוקפנות המתמשכת של המשטר האיראני על ישראל.
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 13, 2025
Israeli officials have issued a statement, warning of sirens are expected to sound in wide areas of Israel, after the IDF launched an operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Every citizen must know what the best protected space is in their vicinity. When a warning is issued, one must enter protected spaces and remain there until an official announcement says it is safe to leave.”
Iranian media report a number of fatalities in Tehran
Iran’s Press TV reports there have been a number of fatalities from Israel’s attack on Tehran.
Iran’s state TV has said several explosions were heard in Tehran and the country’s air defence system are on full alert.
Netanyahu has said the operation will “continue as long as necessary”, in his address to the nation.
Until we complete the mission of repelling the threat of annihilation that hovers over our heads.
I salute from the bottom of my heart the commanders of the IDF and its soldiers, the Air Force, the Intelligence Branch, and the Mossad, for the bold planning of the operation and the determined and powerful execution.”
Rubio: US was not involved in strikes
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said that Israel’s strikes on Iran were unilateral and that the US was not involved.
In a statement, he said: “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”
Netanyahu has said Iran has “significant capabilities to harm us” in his address to the nation.
And so we have prepared for that as well. I ask for the cooperation of all of you, citizens of Israel. Close cooperation in the coming hours and days. I ask you to strictly adhere to the Home Front Command’s instructions. These instructions save lives.
