"First Phase Complete"...Operation Expected to Last Several Days
Iran Closes Airspace...Israel Prepares for Retaliation
US Convenes Cabinet Meeting...Concerns Over Collapse of June 15 Talks
On June 13 (local time), the Israeli Air Force launched a preemptive strike targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and other sites, resulting in casualties. Concerns are mounting that Iran may retaliate and that the sixth round of US-Iran talks scheduled for June 15 could break down, raising fears that, in the worst-case scenario, war could erupt in the Middle East. Although major foreign media had previously reported on Israel's plans to attack Iran, the situation in the Middle East has become increasingly volatile as Israel carried out the strike sooner than expected and without US support.
On this day, Israel announced that dozens of fighter jets had struck targets related to Iran's nuclear program and stated that the operation would continue for several days. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the completion of the first phase of airstrikes, saying, "Dozens of Air Force jets have completed the first attack, which included dozens of military targets, including nuclear sites in various regions of Iran." The IDF added, "Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime pose a significant threat not only to Israel but to the entire world," and emphasized, "Israel will never allow a regime that seeks to destroy Israel to possess weapons of mass destruction."
Iranian local media, including Nour News and IRNA, reported that a loud explosion was heard northeast of Tehran, the capital of Iran. Iran's Press TV stated that many people were killed in the attack on Tehran. As a result of the attack, Iran temporarily closed its airspace over Tehran. Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran also suspended all flights.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a national address that the operation, named 'Rising Lion,' targeted Iranian scientists developing nuclear weapons, the ballistic missile program, and the main nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz. He stated, "This operation will continue as long as necessary. We are at a decisive moment in Israel's history." Israel also named the operation 'Nation of Lions.'
An Israeli military official stated that dozens of targets across Iran had been selected for attack. The Israeli side claimed that Iran had secured enough raw materials to manufacture 15 nuclear bombs within a few days. There is also speculation that key figures, such as the Iranian Chief of Staff and nuclear scientists, may have been killed.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a special state of emergency nationwide due to the preemptive strike. He said, "Missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and civilians are expected in the near future."
Israel has closed its airspace and is preparing for retaliation. The Israeli military spokesperson announced that, starting the morning of June 13, only essential activities would be permitted within Israel. All educational activities, gatherings, and commuting to workplaces, except for essential businesses, are prohibited.
An Israeli source told CNN that this attack "was not something that happened overnight." The source explained that Israel had been seeking opportunities to attack Iran both militarily and diplomatically, and that there are plans for multiple attacks against Iran.
Previously, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing senior Israeli officials, that an attack on Iran could take place as early as June 15. Israel had been preparing operations to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities for several weeks, but also stated that it would wait to see the outcome of US President Donald Trump's nuclear talks. The sixth round of US-Iran talks is scheduled for June 15. However, with Iran launching a preemptive strike, it is now uncertain whether negotiations will continue.
According to CNN, the United States convened a cabinet meeting. It is expected that the US response to the airstrikes will be discussed. Before Israel launched the airstrikes, President Trump said at the White House regarding the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran, "I don't want to say it's imminent, but it seems like something that is very likely to happen."
The United States has drawn a clear line, stating that it neither participated in nor supported the airstrikes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "We were not involved in the attack on Iran, and our top priority is to protect US troops in the region. Israel informed us that it believed this action was necessary for its self-defense." He added, "To be clear, Iran must not target US interests or personnel."
According to sources, the United States privately informed some allies on this day that Israel's airstrikes on Iran were imminent and that the US was not involved. Anonymous US officials stated that Israel had begun its attack on Iran and that there was no US support or operational involvement.
The US online media outlet Axios pointed out that even though the US did not participate in the airstrikes, it could still be drawn into Iranian retaliation. Iran had previously warned that if there were attacks on its nuclear program, it would target US assets in the region. The outlet stated, "The US has previously helped defend Israel against Iranian attacks," and added, "If this attack triggers a cycle of retaliation, it is highly likely that the US will do so again in the future."
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