TEL AVIV, Israel. June 13(Agencies) – Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites early Friday, killing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein Salami—a top Iranian military leader—and other senior figures. Iranian state media confirmed Salami’s assassination alongside General Gholam Ali Rashid (deputy army commander) and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mahdi.
Explosions rocked Tehran and the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, a critical nuclear site in Isfahan province. Iranian state TV reported “loud blasts” across the capital, civilian casualties, and thick black smoke rising from Natanz hours after initial strikes.
Israel’s military stated “dozens of IAF jets” struck “dozens of Iranian nuclear targets and military sites.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the operation targeted Iran’s “ballistic missile programme” and leading nuclear scientists. Simultaneously, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency, closed schools, and warned of an imminent “missile and drone attack” from Iran, calling the strikes “preemptive.”
Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir mobilized “tens of thousands of soldiers,” vowing Israel is “prepared across all borders” and that challengers “will pay a heavy price.”
Iran condemned the attacks as a “clear violation of international law.” Its Foreign Ministry reserved the right to “respond decisively,” while armed forces pledged “strong retaliation,” warning Tel Aviv would “pay a heavy price.”
The United States denied involvement, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating: “Israel took unilateral action. We are not involved in strikes against Iran,” and cautioning Iran against targeting U.S. interests.
