Israel Strikes Iran – : Israel Launches Airstrikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Standoff
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a powerful airstrike operation targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, escalating long-standing tensions in the Middle East. According to Israeli officials, the operation was a “preemptive strike” aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Eyewitnesses and Iranian state TV reported massive explosions around Tehran, with Israel confirming that dozens of nuclear and strategic targets were hit. Israel’s military declared a state of emergency, expecting retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran.
Key Targets Hit: Iran’s Nuclear Assets and Military Leaders
A senior Israeli military spokesperson claimed that Iran had accumulated enough enriched uranium to build up to 15 nuclear warheads, prompting urgent action.
Iranian media reported that several senior officials and nuclear scientists were killed, including:
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Major General Gholam Ali Rashid (Senior IRGC Commander)
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Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi (Prominent nuclear scientists)
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Hossein Salami, commander of the IRGC, whose death remains unconfirmed
U.S. Response: Denial of Involvement, Focus on De-escalation
Despite global speculation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that the United States played no role in the strikes. He issued a strong warning to Iran not to target American personnel or assets in retaliation.
President Donald Trump, in a cabinet meeting following the strike, reiterated his stance:
“Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. This is non-negotiable.”
UN Atomic Watchdog Confirms Israeli Strike on Uranium Site
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the Natanz uranium enrichment facility was among the sites hit.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi stated:
“We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in communication with our on-ground inspectors and Iranian authorities regarding radiation risks.”
Air India Flights Diverted Amid Middle East Crisis
Due to airspace restrictions and the threat of regional escalation, multiple Air India international flights have been either diverted or returned:
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AI130 (London–Mumbai): Diverted to Vienna
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AI102 (New York–Delhi): Diverted to Sharjah
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AI188 (Vancouver–Delhi): Diverted to Jeddah
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AI101 (Delhi–New York): Diverted to Frankfurt
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AI119, AI129: Returned to Mumbai
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(Full list continues…)
Iran Vows Retaliation; Supreme Leader Condemns Attack
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei condemned Israel’s actions, calling them “a bloody and wicked act.” He vowed revenge, stating:
“Israel has committed a grave crime. Its hands are soaked in Iranian blood.”
The Iranian military has reportedly been placed on full combat alert, with missile defense systems deployed in major cities.
Israel Says It Acted Alone, Not on U.S. Orders
Contrary to some reports, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon clarified that while Israel is in ongoing dialogue with the U.S., the airstrike was an independent Israeli decision.
“We informed Washington, but this was entirely our own call,” Danon told CNN.
Uncertain Future: Peace Talks or War?
Notably, Iran and the U.S. were scheduled to hold the sixth round of nuclear negotiations in Oman on June 15, 2025, raising hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough. However, those talks now appear uncertain in light of the escalating conflict.
Israeli Army Chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir admitted the campaign might not yield immediate results:
“We can’t guarantee full success. Iran will retaliate. We must be prepared for a prolonged battle.”
Conclusion: A New Phase in the Middle East Conflict
With nuclear tensions peaking and military casualties mounting, the Israel-Iran conflict has entered a critical and unpredictable phase. As both nations dig in and the global community urges restraint, the risk of wider regional war looms large.
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