Israel launched an attack on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and military infrastructure

On the night of June 13, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated large-scale strikes on Iranian territory, targeting facilities associated with the nuclear program and military capabilities. The operation was named "Lion’s People."

This was reported by Axios and The Times of Israel.

According to media reports, Israeli Air Force is striking dozens of targets throughout Iran, including Tehran, Natanz, Khorramabad, and Hamadan. These cities are known for housing facilities of Iran’s nuclear program. There have been reports of explosions and air defence operations in Tehran, as well as footage of secondary detonations following a strike on a missile base in Piranshahr.

Israel has confirmed the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, citing an "imminent threat" due to the sufficient amount of enriched uranium in Iran for the production of several bombs within days.

The United States is not participating in the operation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed: "Tonight, Israel took unilateral measures against Iran. We are not involved in the strikes on Iran, and our main priority is to protect American forces in the region."

State of Emergency in Israel

Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a state of emergency across the country by signing a "special emergency order for a special rear-area emergency situation." He warned of expected missile and drone retaliation from Iran. Sirens are wailing throughout Israel. The IDF has banned educational activities, gatherings, and urged workers to avoid workplaces, except in essential sectors. The IDF’s Home Front Command warned of a "significant eastern strike" in the coming hours, which may include "heavy missiles" capable of reaching any point in the country.

Airspace Closure and Mobilization

Israel closed its airspace, while Iran temporarily suspended all flights at the main Imam Khomeini Airport near Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes a Cabinet Security meeting and stated that the operation will continue as long as necessary. The IDF reports that this is only the first stage of the operation, which, according to the media, will last several days. Following the strike, Israel also announced the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists.

Reports of Casualties: Israeli and Iranian media report that as a result of the airstrikes, Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, probably died, along with the Chief of Staff of the Iranian army Mohammad Bagheri, other members of the general staff, and senior nuclear scientists. Media also reports a second wave of airstrikes on Iran, including multiple attacks on a key uranium enrichment facility in Natanz.