Israel attacks Iran, hits nuclear and military sites

Israel attacks Iran, Tehran retaliates

One of the explosions in Tehran

Photo: Associated Press

Israel struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear, missile and military complex in the early hours of Friday morning, in an unprecedented attack that killed some of Iran's most powerful figures and plunged the Middle East into a new and dangerous moment.

The attacks on Iran's nuclear program and top military leaders could represent a turning point in the long-running conflict. Israel now faces a major retaliation from Iran. And there is a real danger that the region could face the outbreak of a wider war.

Later on Friday, part of the promised retaliation was launched. The Israeli military said Iran had fired more than 100 rockets at Israel and that Israel had begun “intercepting” them from outside its borders. Some of the rockets penetrated Israeli defenses, which in turn threatened Iran even more. The United States was reported to have provided assistance to Israel’s defenses. There were also reports of injuries, and Israeli leaders are planning immediate responses to the Iranian attacks.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, previously warned Israel that it would face "severe punishment" for the attacks and confirmed that several Iranian commanders and scientists had been killed.

The spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces said that both the United States and Israel would "pay dearly", while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi classified the attack as a "declaration of war".

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that the US was not involved in the attacks, noting that Israel had previously notified the US that it believed "the action was necessary in its own self-defense."

On Thursday, President Donald Trump had already warned of the possibility that a massive conflict in the Middle East could happen "very soon."

Writing on his social media platform "Truth Social," Trump on Friday called on Iran to accept a nuclear deal "before there's nothing left," suggesting that Israel's subsequent attacks could be "even more brutal."

Washington has long sought to limit Tehran's nuclear capabilities. It even did so in the most recent negotiations that took place in Rome last month, but which ended without an agreement. The sixth round of talks between the US and Iran was scheduled to take place on Sunday in Oman - but it is still unclear whether it will take place or not.

The Israeli attacks came at a time when Tehran had announced that it would increase its nuclear activities after the International Atomic Energy Agency adopted a resolution finding that Iran was not adhering to its commitments to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, senior US officials told CNN.

During a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military operation had "striken at the heart of Iran's nuclear weapons program," and that targets included the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, Iranian nuclear scientists and Iran's ballistic missile program.

"Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a military operation aimed at deterring the Iranian threat to Israel's very existence," Netanyahu said Friday morning. "This operation will continue for as many days as necessary to eliminate this threat."

Multiple explosions were heard in Tehran, terrifying residents, while videos verified by CNN showed flames and smoke rising from buildings across the city. Iran's airspace has also been closed, according to the country's civil aviation authority.

The Israeli military statement said Israeli warplanes had also completed a "large-scale attack" on air defense systems in western Iran.

"As part of the attacks, dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers were destroyed," the statement said.

According to Iranian authorities and state media, some of Iran's most powerful figures have been killed. Among them are General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iran's armed forces and the country's highest-ranking military officer.

Also among those killed were former national security chief Ali Shamkhani – a key adviser to Ayatollah Khamenei who served for nearly a decade as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council – and Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC Air Force, who was killed along with two other air force commanders.

According to the state-run Tasnim news agency, six Iranian nuclear scientists were also killed.

On Friday, Iran's supreme leader immediately appointed new commanders to lead key military structures, including Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour, who is now the new head of the IRGC.

Friday's attacks suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw an opportunity to realize Israel's long-term goal of destroying Iran's nuclear program.

Iran is in its weakest military position in decades, due to crushing economic sanctions, previous Israeli attacks on its air defenses, and the deep weakening of its most powerful regional allies, including Hezbollah.

US officials had previously told CNN that Israeli attacks on Iran would represent a clear break from Trump's previous approach to the Middle East.

On Friday, Trump told CNN that the US supports Israel, while describing the attack on Iran as "very successful."

Several countries immediately raised alarm and condemned Israel's attacks. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry said the attack "undermines sovereignty and security and constitutes a clear violation of international law," while the Chinese embassy in Iran called the situation complex and serious.

Residents in Iran have been dealing with a terrifying night. "People have reported earthquakes, large explosions and fighter jets flying overhead," said Negar Mortazavi, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy.

Azzam, an Iranian citizen who lives near Saadat Abad in northern Tehran, an area targeted by Israel, said he was woken up by the shaking of his house. "I was very scared, unable to know what was happening."

Israel has declared a state of emergency, closing its airspace, schools and banning gatherings. "Tens of thousands" of Israeli soldiers have been called up in preparation for Iranian retaliation, the Israeli military said.

Fear of the greatest war

Analysts and experts have long warned that Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear capabilities could provoke harsh retaliation from Iran and threaten to plunge the region into full-scale war.

And if Israel and Iran engage in a larger-scale war, it risks drawing the US in. The US is Israel's closest ally and largest arms supplier. There are currently 40 US troops in the Middle East. Indications of the danger emerged earlier this week, when the US ordered the withdrawal of non-essential personnel from countries in the Middle East.

Based on expert opinions, Israeli attacks on the nuclear sites of the Islamic Republic of Iran are likely to mark the end of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.

The facility at the center of Iran's nuclear ambitions was engulfed in flames on Friday, according to images posted on social media, which have been verified by CNN and Iranian state television.

The nuclear complex in Natanz, a city about 250 kilometers south of Tehran, is considered Iran's largest uranium enrichment facility. Analysts have said the site is used to develop and assemble uranium enrichment centrifuges - a key technology that turns uranium into nuclear fuel.

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization has confirmed that the Natanz facility has been damaged. The complex includes above-ground and underground structures, but it is not clear which parts were affected by the attack, although no casualties have been reported.

The head of the UN nuclear agency, Rafael Grossi, has stated that there were no high levels of radiation at Natanz. Other nuclear facilities in Iran, such as those in Isfahan and Fordow, “were not affected,” Grossi added on Friday afternoon. But in the evening, according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces, the facility in Isfahan was not spared from the attacks either.

"Our forces have destroyed a facility for the production of uranium metal, infrastructure for the conversion of enriched uranium, as well as laboratories and additional infrastructure that served the Iranian atomic program," the statement said.

The facility in Isfahan is considered one of the most important points of Iran's nuclear capacity and employs thousands of scientists, including laboratories linked to Chinese research reactors.

Attack from within

According to an Israeli security official, the Mossad intelligence service had smuggled weapons into Iran before Friday's attacks, which were used to hit defenses from within the country.

The official said that "a base for launching explosive drones has been set up inside Iran and that these drones were activated during Friday's attack to hit missile launchers at a base near Tehran."

He also added that Israel had "introduced precision weapons into central Iran and positioned them near surface-to-air missile systems," and that it had used vehicle-mounted strike systems.

Iran operates the so-called “Axis of Resistance” in the region, which includes loyal allies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, as well as various militant groups in Iraq and Syria. Since the start of Israel’s war in Gaza in 2023, attacks by these satellite groups have intensified in a show of solidarity with the Palestinians.

Last year, the decades-long cold war between Israel and Iran escalated with a series of missile attacks by both sides. At the time, the US warned Israel not to strike Iran's energy or nuclear infrastructure.

Friday's operation represents a far greater escalation than any previous action. CNN security analyst Beth Sanner said the elimination of Hossein Salami is comparable to the elimination of the chairman of the US military's joint chiefs of staff.

"You can imagine what the Americans would do," she said.

Sanner stressed that Iran is now "under existential threat," and for this reason, Israel is expected to face "massive retaliation, much greater than what it has seen in the past."

MFA calls on Kosovo citizens in Israel to stay in safe places

In addition to the world, the tension in the Middle East has also caused concern in Kosovo. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Kosovo citizens living in Israel to avoid unnecessary travel and stay in safe places. The MFA statement emphasized that this call was made in cooperation with the Kosovo Embassy in Israel, taking into account the worsening security situation in Israel and the region.

Iran: 78 dead in Israel's barbaric attacks, most of them women and children

Photo: Associated Press

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday that Israel's "barbaric and criminal attack" had killed 78 people, most of whom were civilians.

According to him, most of those killed were women and children.

He said that Israel committed an act of aggression by firing on civilian centers.

"These atrocities constitute clear acts of state terrorism and flagrant violations of international law," Iravani said.

He stated that 320 people were also injured.

«Washington Post»: Israel's attack on Iran was successful. But what is the ultimate goal?

In an editorial, the Washington Post wrote that Israel’s airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership were widely seen as an operational success. “Significant parts of the nuclear program were damaged or destroyed, senior Revolutionary Guard commanders were killed, as well as key scientists.” But, as the newspaper warns, the big questions are just beginning to be asked.

Tactical victory does not necessarily translate into a clear long-term strategy. The essential question that arises is: does Israel have a plan for the “day after”? And what role does the US play in this dynamic? Although any setback to Iranian nuclear ambitions is considered a “victory for global security,” the latest attack could have unforeseen consequences.

A key issue is whether Iran still has the capacity to produce advanced centrifuges for enriching uranium. While the facilities at Natanz have been severely damaged, the Fordow plant, built deep inside a mountain, remains untouched — and inaccessible except by special bombs that the United States has not given to Israel. The Washington Post editorial warns that Iran may now decide to completely hide its nuclear program, withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty or expel International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors, who have had only limited access anyway.

The Israeli strike could have the opposite effect: pushing Iran to accelerate efforts to build a nuclear weapon as a deterrent against future attacks — this time with even greater secrecy. It is also unclear whether this military humiliation will destabilize the Iranian regime, or strengthen nationalist support for it. The Iranian regime has invested hundreds of billions of dollars and a large part of its prestige in its nuclear program, sacrificing an economy that has been crippled by Western sanctions.

The extent of US involvement in the attack is still unclear. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel acted alone. But President Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal: “We didn’t need any warning — we knew what was going on.” The discrepancy adds to suspicions of tacit American coordination with Israel. The attack came just a day after Trump had given Iran a 60-day deadline for a new nuclear deal expired. This raises the suspicion that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with tacit US support, was trying to destroy any chance of a deal through military force.

Trump then declared: “The Iranians can still make a deal, as long as they have something left.” This reinforces the perception that Washington and Jerusalem may be pursuing a well-thought-out diplomatic game, with one side acting as the “bad cop,” the other as the “good cop.”

Benjamin Netanyahu has been warning for years about the existential threat posed by a nuclear Iran to Israel. According to the Washington Post, the prime minister may have felt the moment was right to strike: After Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, Israel’s perception of security has changed dramatically. Moreover, Iran is in its weakest regional position in decades: Hamas has been severely hit in Gaza, Hezbollah has been weakened in Lebanon, and the Assad regime in Syria has been toppled. A smaller Israeli strike last year had already degraded Iran’s air defense systems.

"Israel struck when the conditions were ripe," writes the Washington Post. But the lack of a clear strategy for the aftermath and the unclear role of the US are alarming. The newspaper directly warns Donald Trump: a president who has spoken out against involvement in "eternal wars" in the Middle East should resist any new involvement.

40 people being treated in Israeli hospitals after Iran attack

Following Iran's response, 40 people are being treated in various hospitals in Israel, two of whom are in critical condition, Israeli health authorities have announced.

Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv is treating 18 patients.

Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva has 7 patients, including one in critical condition.

Sheba Hospital in Ramat Gan is treating 15 people, including the other patient in critical condition.

The injuries of those hospitalized are of various natures, including wounds from explosive shrapnel, smoke inhalation, and shock.

Netanyahu addresses Iranian people: We are paving the way for their freedom

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people on Friday night, declaring that the regime in Tehran not only oppresses its own people, but also threatens the destruction of Israel.

"Proud people of Iran, we are in the midst of one of the largest military operations in history – Operation 'Lion's Rebirth.' The Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for nearly 50 years, is threatening the destruction of our country – the State of Israel," Netanyahu said in his speech.

He stated that the aim of the Israeli operation is to stop the threat that, according to him, the Islamic regime poses through its nuclear program and ballistic missiles.

"As we achieve our goal, we are paving the way for you to freedom as well. Within the last 24 hours, we have eliminated senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, the regime's most important uranium enrichment facility, and the bulk of its ballistic missile arsenal," Netanyahu said.

He warned that there would be more attacks on Iran, describing the Iranian regime as "weak and unprepared."

"More attacks are on the way. The regime doesn't know what hit it - and what will hit it. It has never been weaker. This is your opportunity to stand up and make your voice heard," he said.

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel's war is not against the Iranian people, but against the regime that rules them.

"Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you. The Iranian and Israeli people have been friends since the time of Cyrus the Great. Now is the time for the Iranian people to unite around the flag and historical heritage, fighting for freedom from an evil and oppressive regime. Brave people of Iran – light conquers darkness," Netanyahu concluded.

Israel-Iran attacks intensify

Several of the hundreds of Iranian missiles have penetrated Israel's air defenses

Photo: Associated Press

The last few hours have marked an intensification of airstrikes between Israel and Iran.

While Israel said it had attacked another nuclear site in Iran, the "revenge" was by launching hundreds of missiles towards Israel.

Israel has said it has stopped most of the attacks from Iran, while there have been cases where missiles have penetrated the steel-clad air defense system.

Apart from intensifying, the attacks are not expected to end anytime soon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the attacks could last for several days.

Israel warns Iran: It crossed red lines

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran had crossed a red line by firing missiles at civilian populated areas in Israeli territory.

He warned that Tehran would pay a "very heavy price" for these actions, stressing that attacks on the civilian population constitute an unacceptable act with serious consequences.

Iran earlier launched hundreds of missiles into Israeli territory, saying this was the beginning of a severe blow to Israel.

Iran says it has attacked dozens of military targets and air bases in Israel

Iran has announced that it has carried out attacks on "dozens of Israeli targets, military centers and air bases," according to a statement issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to the statement, the operation is called "True Promise 3", while Iranian authorities have warned that more details will be released soon.

It is not known how much damage was caused.

"Iran is more interested than ever in an atomic bomb"

Guido Steinberg, a scholar of Islam and Middle East expert at the Foundation for Science and Politics (SWP) in Berlin, who advises the German government, believes that the clash between Iran and Israel has entered a new phase, where diplomacy has lost its role and military calculations dominate.

After the Islamic revolution of 1979, the once close relationship between Israel and Iran under the Shah turned into ideological hostility. “The revolution was a combination of Shiite Islamism with an almost leftist anti-imperialism,” Steinberg explains. For the new regime in Tehran, the United States was the main enemy, and Israel was perceived as an American “bridge” to the Middle East.

To gain regional influence and allies, Iran focused on the Palestinian cause and founded Hezbollah in Lebanon. “It was the easiest way to gain popularity in the region: to hate and fight Israel,” says Steinberg.

Although there was limited military cooperation between the two countries in the 1980s – due to the shared threat from Iraq – the strategic hostility remained unchanged. Meanwhile, Hezbollah became Iran’s instrument for threatening Israel indirectly. “Hezbollah’s primary function was to deter an Israeli attack on Iran – especially over its nuclear program,” Steinberg points out. But that strategy has now fallen apart: “By 2024, Israel has significantly weakened Hezbollah.”

As for the Iranian nuclear program, it began in the late 80s. “Since 2002, it has been clear that Iran is aiming for nuclear weapons. For Israel, this is the biggest threat,” warns Steinberg. Among the key moments, he mentions the secret construction of the Fordow plant (in 2009) and the 2015 international agreement, which was broken by Donald Trump in 2018. “Since then, confrontation has become inevitable.”

Meanwhile, the war in Syria served as a direct scene of conflict: "Iran reinforced its presence in Syria, Israel responded with more than 1000 airstrikes. This brought the conflict to a new level." The Israeli victory on this front is, according to him, obvious: Hamas has been almost destroyed, Hezbollah severely weakened, and the Syrian regime has been overthrown.

According to Steinberg, Israel's recent attacks on Iran signal a turning point: "The hope for diplomacy is gone. Iran has never been more determined to have a bomb. If they have the opportunity, they will do anything to get it. Israel has also crossed a red line - Netanyahu seems more determined than ever to act militarily."

Now, he adds, everything depends on the real extent of the Israeli strikes and how Iran chooses to respond.

Prepared by: ER

Putin talks with Iranian and Israeli leaders

Photo: Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday.

In a statement to the Reuters news agency, the official Kremlin said that Putin told the Iranian president that Russia "condemns Israel's actions taken in violation of the UN Charter," and expressed condolences for the dead.

Meanwhile, while talking to Netanyahu, Putin stressed to him "the importance of returning to the negotiation process and resolving all issues related to Iran's nuclear program only through political and diplomatic means."

According to the Kremlin's announcement, Russia will remain in constant contact with both countries.

Iran launches hundreds of missiles towards Israel in retaliation

Israeli Iron Dome system intercepts Iranian rockets at Tel Aviv on Friday evening

Photo: Associated Press

(Updated 20:35) - Iran has launched "hundreds of different ballistic missiles" towards Israel, in what Tehran called the start of a "devastating response" to Israeli attacks on the country on Friday morning.

"A few moments ago, with the launch of hundreds of various ballistic missiles towards the occupied territories, the operation against the savage attack of the Zionist regime has begun," Iran's official news agency, IRNA, reported.

VIDEO:

🚨 WATCH: INSANE video of Iranian missile impact in Downtown Tel Aviv, Israel

I'd imagine there's going to be a hell of a response from Israel. pic.twitter.com/0OUhwBfJMC

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 13, 2025

NOW - Iranian missiles hit Israel. pic.twitter.com/n6DtkYb37L

- Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) June 13, 2025

The Israeli military has announced that Iran has fired missiles towards Israeli territory a short time ago, in an action seen as retaliation for Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. 

According to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), air defense systems have been put into full operation to stop the Iranian missile threat.

Israeli authorities have ordered citizens to enter shelters and remain there until further notice.

This development marks a dangerous escalation in the crisis between the two countries and raises serious concerns about an open regional conflict.

Israel strikes another nuclear facility in Iran

The Israeli Air Force has carried out a new air strike on a nuclear facility in Isfahan, about 350 kilometers southeast of Tehran, as part of what Israel calls a new phase in disrupting Iranian nuclear capabilities.

According to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the attack targeted a site where the reconversion of enriched uranium, a key process in the production of nuclear weapons, was taking place.

"Our forces have destroyed a facility for the production of uranium metal, infrastructure for the conversion of enriched uranium, as well as laboratories and additional infrastructure that served the Iranian atomic program," the statement said.

The facility in Isfahan is considered one of the most important points of Iran's nuclear capacity and employs thousands of scientists, including laboratories linked to Chinese research reactors.

This is Israel's second major attack on Iran's nuclear infrastructure in a short period, deepening concerns about a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Everything we know so far about Israel's attack on Iran

Photo illustration

Israel is continuing its attacks on Iran, hours after killing several of its top commanders and nuclear scientists in a major overnight strike.

But what is known so far? Key points:

• Israel claims that Iran has taken steps to weaponize its nuclear program – Iran denies it.

• Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed "merciless revenge" for the attack. Iran launched about 100 drones toward Israel this morning, according to the Israeli military. It said most of them were intercepted.

• Inside Iran, media outlets have reported that civilians, including children, are among the dead from Israeli attacks – this has not been verified by international media.

• Top Iranian commanders have been killed, including the chief of staff of the armed forces.

• Many world leaders have called for restraint. US President Donald Trump has urged Iran to "make a deal" on its nuclear program "before it runs out of steam."

New wave of attacks from Israel towards Iran

Israel has launched a new wave of attacks on Iran, the BBC reported.

The Israeli Air Force wrote in X that it is continuing to attack missile launchers and infrastructure in Iran.

There have also been reports in Iran. According to media there, attacks have stopped in Tehran and other nearby cities.

Iran's air defenses have already been activated, according to Iranian state media reporting.

🚨BREAKING
Videos circulating on social media indicate that explosions occurred in the areas of Meshkinabad, Mehrshahr, and Fardis in Karaj, west of Tehran.

There is no official statement yet from Iranian authorities. The cause of the blasts remains unconfirmed. pic.twitter.com/2Tyjd2d43L

— The Global War | Real-Time Intel (@TheGlobalWar) June 13, 2025

🚨 Israel Hava Kuvvetleri, Karaj'da Iran'a ait military facilities vuruyor. pic.twitter.com/nOr74KKFgy

- Conflict (@ConflictTR) June 13, 2025

"Iran is heavily infiltrated by Israeli intelligence services"

Missile expert Fabian Hinz from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) calls Israel's latest military strike on Iran unexpected in terms of its choice of targets: not only nuclear facilities, but also senior Iranian military commanders and important scientists were targeted, he said in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. 

Hinz said that it appears that the Israelis are “trying to repeat the pattern of the war against Hezbollah, simultaneously eliminating both the military infrastructure and the leadership.” According to him, Iran has a fundamental problem: “Iran is too infiltrated by Israeli intelligence services to be able to secretly build new nuclear facilities.”

Hinz said that one of the key facilities of the nuclear program, Fordow, was not hit this time, for technical reasons, because it is located deep under a mountain. According to Hinz, Israel could temporarily disable this facility through indirect attacks, or take cyber or special forces action - "although the latter would be extremely dangerous."

Another effective strategy is to damage the supply chain and eliminate scientists: "Israel can cause great damage through this method and probably has capabilities that we don't even know about."

Regarding the Iranian threat, Hinz points out that Iran possesses drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles with a range sufficient to strike Israel, but there are doubts about their accuracy and actual numbers. "In October, Iranian missiles failed to cause significant damage to (Israeli) military targets. But if they were to hit cities like Tel Aviv, even a deviation of hundreds of meters could have consequences."

Regarding the role of third parties, Hinz maintains that American assistance is essential. "The United States can play a decisive role with the navy and fighter jets. The support of Arab countries is more of a political matter - there could be tacit cooperation, such as allowing the use of airspace."

Hinz estimated for the German newspaper that the involvement of Hezbollah or the Yemeni Houthis would not significantly change the balance: "Hezbollah is weakened and its missiles have a shorter range. The Houthis do not pose a direct threat to Israel, but they could strike international shipping and the US fleet if the conflict escalates."

Prepared by: ER

Netanyahu: US knew about Israel's attack plans

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel had notified the United States of its plans to attack Iran before taking the action.

"I leave the American position to the Americans. We informed them in advance. They knew about the attack. What will they do? I leave that to President Donald Trump. He makes decisions independently," Netanyahu said in a video message.

"I will not speak for him. He does this convincingly and decisively. He has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. They cannot have enrichment capabilities," he continued.

Israeli army begins stationing troops in all combat arenas

Photo: Associated Press

Israel has begun stationing military troops in all combat zones in the country, as it continues its attacks on Iran. 

The army has called up reservists from various military units as part of "preparations for defense and attack."

The move comes as Israel is preparing for counterattacks from Iran or its satellites on Israel's borders.

What is the 60-day period Trump is mentioning for Iran?

Donald Trump

Photo: Associated Press

US President Donald Trump set a 12-day deadline on April 60 for negotiations with Iran on nuclear weapons to succeed. That expired on Thursday.

"Iran should have listened to me when I told them - you know I told them, I don't know if you know, but I gave them a 60-day warning and today is the 61st day," he told CNN on Friday morning.

Trump had warned Iran of the possibility of military action when he spoke about the letter to Khamenei earlier this year.

"I hope that Iran, and I've written them a letter, saying I hope that you'll negotiate because if we have to go military, it's going to be a terrible thing for them," Trump said in an interview with Fox earlier this year. "I said, I hope that you'll negotiate, because it would be a lot better for Iran."

U.S. officials and people involved in the negotiations with Iran knew that pressure was mounting to finalize a deal as the ultimatum approached. But U.S. officials had said that negotiations with Iran would extend beyond the 60-day ultimatum.

Now that Israel has begun attacking Iran's nuclear program, the future of the talks is uncertain, even though the Americans are pushing the idea of ​​continuing.

The world is once again in fear of nuclear weapons, which countries will have the most in 2025?

Following the recent Israeli attack on Iran, which included the destruction of nuclear facilities and the elimination of key military and scientific figures, the world once again faces fears of an escalation of a conflict that could include the use of nuclear weapons.

Tensions in the Middle East, along with deteriorating relations between major powers, are raising concerns about the possibility of using nuclear arsenals in an armed conflict.

According to the latest data from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), at the beginning of 2025, the nine nuclear powers possessed a total of about 12,241 nuclear warheads, of which about 9,614 are operationally deployed in the military arsenal. The rest are in reserve or awaiting dismantling.

The largest arsenals

• Russia has about 5,580 nuclear warheads, of which approximately 1,700 are strategically located
• United States They possess about 5,225 warheads, some deployed, most in reserve, and over 1,400 in the process of being dismantled.

Together, US and Russia They control about 87–90 percent of all nuclear weapons in the world.

Other nuclear powers

• Kina: It is estimated to have 500–600 heads, with a clear tendency for rapid growth. There are currently few established, but experts estimate more are operational.
• Franca there are about 290 heads, while Great Britain there are approximately 225
• In South Asia: India there are about 172, and Pakistani approximately 170
• Israel there are about 90, while North Korea has about 50 nuclear warheads

Although the total number of nuclear warheads is gradually declining, the number of operationally deployed ones – especially in some countries – is increasing again. Modernization of nuclear arsenals has become a priority: Russia and the US continue to renew their strategic weapons, while China is significantly expanding its nuclear capabilities.

Also of additional concern is the expiration of the New START agreement in 2026, which could have destabilizing consequences. The New START agreement is a nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia, which aims to limit and monitor the strategic nuclear arsenals of both parties. It was first signed in 2010 and was extended for a five-year term in 2021.

Although a nuclear war is unlikely to occur, the presence of thousands of nuclear warheads and tensions increase the risk to global stability.

Netanyahu may have fled to Greece for security reasons

The Israeli prime minister's official plane was taking off from Ben-Gurion Airport on Friday morning when Israel launched its attack on Iran's military and nuclear sites, Israeli media reported.

The plane, which serves Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog for official trips, departed for Athens this morning amid fears of a retaliatory attack from Iran, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Shortly after the plane departed for Greece, the Defense Forces spokesman announced that Iran had launched 100 drones into Israeli territory.

UN Security Council meets today on Iran

Photo: Archive

Photo: Associated Press

The United Nations Security Council will meet on Friday to discuss the latest situation with Israel's attacks on Iran, diplomats have said.

The meeting is being held at Tehran's request, The Guardian reported.

Iran has sought international reaction after Israel launched attacks on several cities, military and nuclear sites.

While the Israeli prime minister has vowed to continue the attacks until the Iranian threat is "eliminated," the Iranian supreme leader has said the response will be devastating.

Israel closes embassies worldwide after Iran attack

Israeli authorities have decided to close all of the country's embassies around the world, while calling on citizens to remain vigilant and not display Jewish or Israeli symbols in public places, according to statements posted on the embassies' official websites on Friday, following the attacks against Iran.

According to the Reuters news agency, the statements said that Israel would not provide consular services and urged citizens to cooperate with local security services in the event of any hostile activity.

No timeframe was given for how long the embassy closures would last. A person who answered the phone at the Israeli embassy in Berlin did not provide further details.

"In light of recent developments, Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided," the statement added.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, said Germany is increasing protection measures for Jewish countries.

Security was increased outside the Great Synagogue of Stockholm, where a van and a police car were parked near the building, according to a Reuters witness.

Iran restricts internet access across the country

Iran has confirmed that authorities have "imposed temporary restrictions" on internet access in the country following the Israeli attacks.

"Due to the special circumstances in the country and the measures taken by relevant authorities, temporary restrictions have been imposed on the internet," the Department of Information Technology said, the AP reported. 

In Iran, there are restrictions on widespread internet use, and in times of crisis, like now, services are completely shut down.

Trump to Iran: Accept nuclear deal or face even more brutal attacks

United States President Donald Trump has called on the Islamic Republic of Iran to reach an agreement on its nuclear program with the United States, adding that there is still time for the country to avoid conflict with Israel. 

"There has already been much death and destruction, but there is still time for this massacre, with future attacks already planned that will be even more brutal, to end," the US president wrote on the social network "TruthSocial". 

"Iran must reach a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. Enough with the death, enough with the destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God bless you all!" he added.

The Israeli military carried out several strikes in Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile production plants and military leaders in an operation aimed at preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that Israel's attacks on Iran were unilateral and that the United States was not involved.

Another commander killed, Khamenei appoints new leaders

Israel has said it has killed General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' missile program.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has appointed new commanders after the assassination of the previous ones.

Mohammad Pakpour was appointed commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. He replaced Hossein Salami, who was killed on Friday.

Abdolrahim Mousaivi was appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces to replace the slain Mohammad Bagheri.

And Ali Shadmani replaced Gholam Ali Rashid as a high-ranking commander in Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Israel launches another attack on Iran

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A new Israeli attack has begun in the city of Tabriz, Iranian state media reported.

It is reported that Tabriz Airport is "currently under heavy attack by Israel."

Other Iranian media outlets also reported on the attack in Tabriz, CNN reported.

Israel has also reportedly struck the Natanz nuclear site again.

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Israel carries out fresh attack on military air base in northwestern Iran's Tabriz, according to Iranian media pic.twitter.com/JsNT84vyqb

- TRT World (@trtworld) June 13, 2025

Weapons were smuggled into Iran before the attack - Israel reveals how it attacked Tehran from within

Drone photography

Israeli security officials have said that the spy agency, Mossad, smuggled weapons into Iran before Friday's attacks, and they were used to target Iranian defenses from within, the AP reported.

Officials have said that a base for launching explosive drones was set up inside Iran and that the drones were activated during Friday's attack targeting missile launchers at an Iranian base in Tehran.

They added that Israel had moved precision weapons into central Iran and positioned them near surface-to-air missile systems. They said they had also deployed attack systems. They were activated at the start of the attack, targeting Iranian defenses.  

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US: We are not involved in Israel's attacks on Iran

Photo: Associated Press

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that Israel's attacks on Iran were unilateral and that the United States was not involved. 

"Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in attacks against Iran, and our primary priority is the protection of American forces in the region," Rubio said in a statement.

According to him, the administration of US President Donald Trump has taken all necessary steps to ensure the safety of American personnel and soldiers in the Middle East region.

"Israel informed us that it believes this action was necessary for its own 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 must not target U.S. interests or personnel," he continued.

While US President Donald Trump has said he was aware of Israel's plans in advance, he has made it clear that the US military played no role in the operation.

"Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to return to the negotiating table," he said.

Iran says nuclear plant damaged

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization has said that part of the nuclear enrichment plant in Natanz was damaged during the Israeli attacks. But, according to it, there was no leakage of nuclear radiation or chemical contamination.

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency has said that three nuclear sites in Iran were not affected by the Israeli attacks. These three sites are: Fordow, Isfahan and Bushehr.

But the largest nuclear site, Natanz, has been confirmed to have been hit, but there has been no increase in radiation levels.

Fordow and Natanz are underground. Iran has spent years strengthening its nuclear facilities in case of military attacks.

Iran confirms damage to the Natanz nuclear facility in Israel's strikes.

Atomic Energy Organization says no radioactive or chemical contamination has been detected. No casualties reported.# Iran #Nathanz # Israel pic.twitter.com/l55BNtZ7Ht

— BPI News (@BPINewsOrg) June 13, 2025

NATO chief calls Israel's actions unilateral, calls for de-escalation

Photo: Associated Press

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has described Israel's actions in Iran as unilateral.

He said on Friday that it was "extremely important" for Israel's allies to work towards de-escalation, after the Israeli military struck about 100 targets in Iran, including Tehran's military and nuclear facilities, The Guardian reported.

"I think it is now extremely important for many allies, including the United States of America, to work, as we speak, towards de-escalation. I know they are doing this and I think that is now the first order of the day," Rutte said during a press conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

Oil prices rise after Israel attacks Iran

Global oil prices have suffered their biggest daily rise in a year, reflecting fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East that could lead to disruptions to energy supplies.

Crude oil immediately became more expensive by 4.3 percent per barrel.

According to Reuters, these are the biggest intraday gains since March 2022, a month after Russia launched the war in Ukraine.

Iran vows revenge: Our response will be deadly

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has said that Israel will receive a "severe punishment", while vowing that Iran will retaliate.

He said that several commanders and scientists were killed in the Israeli attack.

"For this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter and painful fate, which it will definitely see," Khamenei said.

Meanwhile, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has issued a statement saying that Iran's response to Israel's attacks will be "devastating."

"Now that the Zionist occupying regime has crossed all red lines, there are no limits to Iran's response," the General Staff statement said.

"This will not be a simple demonstration of technological prowess. This time, our response will be deadly," the Iranian military said.  

Israel says full-scale attack on Iran has ended

Photo: Associated Press

The Israeli military has said it has completed a large-scale attack on air defenses in western Iran.

According to the military, dozens of radar installations and surface-to-air missile launchers have been destroyed.

Israel attacked Iran's capital on Friday with 200 warplanes and said it targeted nuclear and military sites. 

Among the areas hit was the command headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran, killing its commander, Hossein Salami, according to local media. Iran's Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Mohammad Bagheri, was also killed in the attack, the AP reported. Other military officials were also killed.  

The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed that Iran's main nuclear site at Natanz was hit by Israel. It confirmed that Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, on the Persian Gulf coast, "was not targeted and that no increase in radiation levels was observed in the Natanz area."

Flights canceled after Israeli attack on Iran

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Photo: Associated Press

Several major international airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India and Lufthansa, have cancelled, postponed flights or changed routes following Israel's attack on Iran on Friday.

The Syrian airline has also suspended flights after Jordan and Iraq closed their airspace, the AP reported.

Syria has also announced the closure of its airspace.

Iran says it has right to retaliate against Israel, accuses US of collusion

Photo: Associated Press

Iran has the right to retaliate against Israel, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, accusing Washington of aiding it in Friday's attack.

Iran "will not hesitate to defend the country," the statement said.

The ministry has stated that Israel's attacks could not have been carried out without the help of the US, which added that it is responsible for the consequences of Israel's actions.

US President Donald Trump has said he was aware of the attack in advance, but has denied that the US had any role in it.  

The Israeli military has said that Iran has launched about 100 drones towards its territory, but that it is working to stop them.