Tehran responds forcefully after airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. Explosions reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. IAEA warns of nuclear risks.
Iran launched hundreds of missiles at Israel on Friday night (June 13), striking areas in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in response to an unprecedented Israeli airstrike earlier that same day targeting key nuclear infrastructure inside Iranian territory. The escalation significantly raises the risk of a full-scale military conflict in the Middle East.
Israeli Offensive Targets Nuclear Program
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the airstrikes targeted strategic sites such as the Isfahan nuclear center and facilities near the city of Fordow. The operation, described as "unprecedented," reportedly killed at least three senior Iranian military commanders and six top nuclear scientists. Israel claims the attacks dismantled critical structures used for converting enriched uranium — a key step in nuclear weapons production.
"The strike dismantled a facility for metallic uranium production, infrastructure for enriched uranium reconversion, laboratories, and other related infrastructure," the IDF stated in a Telegram post.
Iranian Retaliation: “Declaration of War”
Tehran labeled the Israeli offensive a "declaration of war" and responded just hours later by launching more than 100 drones and ballistic missiles at Israeli territory. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed the projectiles hit civilian and military areas in Tel Aviv, causing powerful explosions.
The Israeli government urged civilians to seek shelter in underground bunkers.
IAEA on Alert: Risk of Radioactive Release
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), under the United Nations, warned of the potential release of radioactive material with "serious consequences" following the attacks on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. The agency called on all parties to exercise "maximum restraint."
The IAEA stated it is in contact with Iranian authorities to assess the damage to the Fordow and Isfahan facilities. According to the spokesperson for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Behrouz Kamalvandi, the damage was “not extensive” and “there is no cause for concern regarding contamination.”
Trump Pressures Iran for New Nuclear Deal
Former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the attacks during a public event, urging Iran to sign a new nuclear deal with the United States “before it’s too late.”
Source: DW – Deutsche Welle