Israel carried out a major military operation against Iran on Friday, June 13, striking around 100 targets including nuclear facilities, military command centres, and residential areas. The Israeli government said the assault was intended to cripple Iran’s nuclear programme and eliminate senior military and scientific figures involved in what it described as plans to destroy Israel.
AFP reports that among the dead were Iran’s armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri and Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian state media also reported the deaths of six nuclear scientists and several civilians, including women and children.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had struck at the “heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme” and added that the strikes would continue for “as many days as it takes.” Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the targeting of military and scientific leaders sent a clear message to those “working toward Israel’s destruction.”
Iran’s response came hours later with the launch of approximately 100 drones. The Israeli military said most were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory. Jordan also reported intercepting drones and missiles that violated its airspace.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Israel would face a “bitter and painful” fate, and the Iranian military stated there were “no limits” to its retaliation.
The United States, a close Israeli ally, said it was not involved in the operation. However, President Donald Trump told Fox News he had advance knowledge of the strikes and reiterated that Iran “cannot have a nuclear bomb.” Trump also said the U.S. was reducing its military presence in the Middle East amid threats from Tehran to target American bases.
Iran responded by blaming Washington, claiming the attack could not have happened without U.S. coordination. “The United States will be responsible for the consequences,” said an Iranian military spokesman.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed “deep concern” over the escalation. He reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself but called on all parties to avoid further violence. “It is essential to activate all diplomatic channels,” Barrot said, adding that France remains committed to regional stability and protecting its interests.
Britain, which was not involved in the strikes, signalled it would not support Israel in any retaliation by Iran. Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation as a “dangerous moment” and urged restraint from all sides.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also called for de-escalation, describing Israel’s strikes as “unilateral” and urging allies, especially the U.S., to prioritise diplomacy. Talks between Washington and Tehran, previously scheduled for Sunday in Oman, now appear uncertain.
