Winnipeg – Israel launched a series of airstrikes against Iran early Friday, June 13, targeting nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and senior military leadership in and around Tehran. The operation, announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Netanyahu said in a video address, โWe are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history. Moments ago, Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion, a precise military campaign aimed at countering the Iranian threat to our very existence. This operation will persist for as long as necessary to eliminate this danger.โ
Explosions were reported across Tehran, including at the Natanz uranium enrichment complex, Iranโs primary nuclear facility. Iranian state media confirmed multiple casualties, including the reported deaths of senior military and nuclear officials. Civilian casualties were also reported in residential areas.
Iranโs Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the attacks and vowed retaliation, stating that Israel would face a โbitter fate.โ Iranian air defenses were activated, and flights at Tehranโs Khomeini International Airport were suspended. The Iranian government declared a state of emergency and began mobilizing for a possible response.
In Israel, authorities raised the national alert level. Sirens sounded across the country, Ben Gurion Airport was closed, and civil defense protocols were enacted. Tens of thousands of Israeli troops were mobilized in anticipation of possible Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The United States distanced itself from the Israeli operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, โTonight, Israel acted independently against Iran. We are not engaged in strikes against Iran, and our primary focus is the protection of American forces in the region.โ The U.S. began relocating non-essential diplomatic personnel from Baghdad and other regional posts.
The strikes followed a recent report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran was not adhering to its nuclear commitments. Israeli officials have warned that Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to construct multiple nuclear weapons within days.
Global markets reacted sharply to the news, with oil prices surging and renewed concerns about regional stability.
This is a developing story. TheJ.Ca will continue to provide updates as new information emerges.
This article is based on verified information from official statements from Israeli and Iranian government spokespeople, Iranian state media, International Atomic Energy Agency reports, U.S. Department of State, and Associated Press Stylebook for journalistic standards.