Israel launches strikes on Iran, targets nuclear sites

Israel launched strikes at dawn today, June 13, targeting several sites inside Iran, in a major escalation in the ongoing crisis surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program.

Iran’s state TV confirmed that the attack targeted nuclear facilities and resulted in the death of several prominent figures, including the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard and nuclear scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, as well as General Gholam Ali Rashid, deputy commander of the Iranian army.

Local media reported hearing explosions in the capital Tehran and the cities of Qom and Tabriz. Meanwhile, Israel Airports Authority announced the closure of Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv in anticipation of a possible retaliatory response.

Israel’s Defense Minister said that the country declared a state of emergency after carrying out a “preemptive strike” against Tehran, warning of an imminent counterattack involving drones and missiles. The Israeli Military Chief of Staff added that the strike targeted Iran’s missile technology infrastructure and said tens of thousands of troops had been mobilized, with forces placed on the highest state of alert.

The strike comes at a critical time, ahead of a new round of expected nuclear talks between the US and Iran in Oman, amid growing skepticism about the prospects of reaching a deal — particularly after recent remarks by US President Donald Trump downplaying the likelihood of diplomatic success.

In response to the developments, global oil prices surged, with Brent crude jumping 8% to surpass $75 a barrel.