Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion, deploying over 200 warplanes to strike multiple locations across Iran, including the Natanz enrichment facility in Esfahan early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025 (Iran local time). Israeli strikes reportedly killed high-ranking military and nuclear figures, including Major General Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, Gholam Ali Rashid, and scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.
Tensions in the Iran-Israel war escalated sharply after the attack targeting key Iranian nuclear and military sites. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued direct statements following the attacks, signaling a prolonged conflict.
Benjamin Netanyahu: Strikes Will Continue Until Threat Is Neutralized
In a video statement posted on social media, Netanyahu said Israel had “struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program” and that operations would continue “as long as necessary.” He called Iran’s program an “existential threat” and reiterated Israel’s long-standing position against any uranium enrichment on Iranian soil.
Netanyahu told The New York Times that the strikes were a preemptive measure to ensure national security, referencing Israel’s historical need for self-defense. He emphasized that Israel will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons or ballistic missile capabilities.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Iran Will Deliver Severe Punishment
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded by condemning the Israeli strikes as a “crime” and declared that Iran’s military would retaliate. According to Iran media, Khamenei said Israel had “prepared a bitter fate for itself” and that its “bloodstained hands” would face a heavy response. He also rejected recent U.S. nuclear proposals and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to uranium enrichment.
Iran reportedly launched over 100 drones toward Israel, as per Iranian state media. A security source quoted by IRNA described the counter-response as ongoing and decisive.
International media sources claimed Israel’s 200+ warplanes struck Natanz, killing IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, General Mohammad Bagheri, and scientists. Iran launched 100+ drones at Israel, intercepted by defenses. Saudi Arabia condemned Israel, and Jordan closed its airspace. The U.S. distanced itself, urging Iran not to target its interests. The Iran-Israel war risks broader conflict, with both leaders’ statements signaling ongoing escalation.
. Israeli strikes reportedly killed high-ranking military and nuclear figures, including Major General Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, Gholam Ali Rashid, and scientists Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.){kind=link}