Israel has launched decisive strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, killing top commanders and triggering a retaliatory missile barrage that threatens to plunge the Middle East into wider conflict.

At a Glance

• Israel conducted “Operation Rising Lion” targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and killing senior commanders
• Iran retaliated by launching hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel, with many intercepted by the Iron Dome
• U.S. forces assisted Israel in defending against Iranian counterstrikes, despite official statements denying involvement
• The Israeli Defense Forces claimed Iran was days away from developing a nuclear weapon
• International leaders have called for restraint as regional tensions reach dangerous levels

Israel’s Preemptive Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Program

Israel launched a series of coordinated strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities and military sites, killing senior commanders and scientists in what the Israel Defense Forces described as a preemptive operation. The military campaign, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” targeted key nuclear installations including sites at Natanz and Fordo, with the IDF claiming Iran was mere days away from developing a nuclear weapon. The attacks resulted in at least 78 deaths, including civilians, according to unofficial reports from Iranian sources.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that military operations would continue as necessary to neutralize threats to Israel’s security. Israel’s strikes represent a significant escalation in the ongoing shadow war between the two nations and marks the first direct attack on Iranian soil. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reported damage at the Natanz facility but noted no impact on Iran’s Fordo nuclear site.

BREAKING: Reports from Tel Aviv indicate that several Israelis have been injured in retaliatory ballistic missile strikes from Iran. I fully support Israel’s right to take action in the face of growing threats from Iran. President Trump has worked tirelessly to engage Iran in…

— Rep. Mike Bost (@RepBost) June 13, 2025

Iran’s Swift Retaliation

Iran responded to Israel’s attack with what officials described as “hard retaliation,” launching hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory. This response came after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that Israel “must expect severe punishment” for the attacks on Iranian soil. While Israel’s sophisticated Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted many incoming projectiles, reports indicate some missiles struck areas in Tel Aviv, causing damage to infrastructure and raising civilian safety concerns.

“In a televised statement on Friday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the Iranian Armed Forces would respond fiercely to the strikes and leave Israel ‘helpless.'”, stated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

This exchange represents a dramatic escalation in a region already fraught with tension. Iran had previously launched over 100 drones at Israel in April, most of which were intercepted by Israeli defenses. The current missile attack appears to be a more substantial response to what Iran considers a direct act of war. Israeli military officials have characterized their own operations as precise and coordinated, designed to eliminate specific threats to national security.

ATTENTION!

Current Situation in the Middle East (apologize for the necessary length).

First, a reminder about war…it is NOT FAIR, it is NOT FREE, & the longer it takes, EVERYONE LOSES. Lastly, speaking for myself, I am anti-stupid war (not anti-war). However, when a nation’s…

— General Mike Flynn (@GenFlynn) June 13, 2025

U.S. Military Involvement

Despite initial denials from American officials, reports confirm that U.S. forces participated in defending Israel against Iran’s counterstrikes. This revelation contradicts Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement that “the U.S. was not involved in Israel’s strikes,” though he did issue a warning that “Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.” The U.S. Embassy in Israel ordered American personnel to shelter in place during the attacks, and non-emergency U.S. personnel were ordered to leave Iraq.

“American forces aided the Israeli defense against Iran’s attack in response to the Israeli targeting of Iran’s nuclear facilities and senior officials.”, said U.S. official.

Military analysts suggest Israel could not effectively eliminate Iran’s nuclear facilities without U.S. support, particularly given how deeply buried many of these sites are. The current conflict has roots in the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, which former President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018, leading to increased uranium enrichment activities by Iran. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has advised Americans throughout the Middle East to exercise heightened caution amid the ongoing hostilities.

International Response to the Crisis

The international community has largely called for restraint and de-escalation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged “maximum restraint” from all parties, while the head of the IAEA emphasized that nuclear facilities “must never be attacked” under any circumstances. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted the alliance’s concern over the situation, while numerous countries including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and others have expressed alarm at the rapidly deteriorating situation.

Regional actors have taken firm positions, with Iraq condemning the strikes as violations of international law and airspace. Similar condemnations came from Oman, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas. China, Russia, and the European Union have expressed serious concern about the potential for wider regional conflict. The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan joined the chorus of nations condemning the attacks as violations of international norms.