This morning (Friday, June 13), Israel launched attacks on 12 major cities in Iran, including Tehran, Natanz, Tabriz, and Shiraz.
The attacks targeted nuclear, missile, and military facilities, residences of responsible officials, and even residential areas.
Iranian media reported that dozens of civilians, including children, were killed in the Israeli attacks on residential areas.
Israeli army spokesman Effie Dafrin stated: “The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) launched a precise offensive operation this morning, aimed at targeting Iran’s nuclear program and preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons.”
Israeli Air Force aircraft completed the initial strike of the operation.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and several other Iranian officials have warned that a severe response awaits Israel.
President Pezeshkian said: “The Iranian nation and the country’s officials will not remain silent in the face of this crime. The legitimate and powerful response of the Islamic Republic of Iran will make the enemy regret its foolish action. As our great Imam said, if a banner falls from the hands of a commander, another strong hand will raise it and enter the battlefield.”
Meanwhile, thousands across Iran protested and chanted anti-Israel slogans.
An Iranian citizen reacting to the Israeli attacks said: “Why shouldn’t we strike Israel? It should be hit so hard it can never rise again.”
Another said: “Our only request is that revenge be taken quickly and even more strongly.”
Internationally, a wave of condemnation has emerged against Israel’s action.
Iran’s delegation to the UN urgently requested a Security Council meeting to address the attack.
The UN, European Union, NATO, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the UK, China, Russia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries commented on the attack.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said: “It is obviously a rapidly evolving situation. And, this was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak, to de-escalate. I know they’re doing that. And I think that is now the first order of the day.”
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon added: “We want to see the parties coming together and having a conversation. We’re aware, obviously, of the US-Iran conversations that are hoping to take place in Oman this weekend. We see this as a better pathway forward. But obviously it’s a huge concern to us.”
US President Donald Trump also warned Iran, stating that Tehran should urgently re-enter the nuclear deal.
He emphasized that there is still an opportunity to prevent further conflict with Israel.
Israel’s military attack on Iran comes ahead of the sixth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US, scheduled for next Sunday in Oman.
