ISRAEL HITS IRAN’S NUKES — Global Chaos Unleashed

Israel’s “Rising Lion” operation has obliterated Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, killed top military leaders including Revolutionary Guard chief Gen. Hossein Salami, and pushed the Middle East to the brink of all-out war.

Key Takeaways

• Israel launched precision strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the critical Natanz enrichment site, in a campaign named “Operation Rising Lion”
• Top Iranian military leaders are feared dead, including Revolutionary Guard chief Gen. Hossein Salami and armed forces chief Gen. Mohammad Bagheri
• President Trump had previously warned Iran about potential strikes if nuclear negotiations failed
• Israel has implemented emergency measures as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei promised “severe punishment”
• Global markets have reacted strongly with oil prices jumping nearly 12% amid fears of regional conflict escalation

Israel’s Bold Strike Against Iran’s Nuclear Program

In a decisive military operation, Israel has struck multiple critical targets across Iran, focusing on the regime’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership. The coordinated assault, named “Operation Rising Lion,” specifically targeted Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility in Natanz along with ballistic missile production sites. Israeli Defense Forces confirmed direct hits on several high-value targets across Tehran and other cities, with reports indicating that Revolutionary Guard headquarters in Tehran was set ablaze during the assault. The operation marks a dramatic escalation in Israel’s campaign to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons capability.

“Israel launched a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival,”Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address following the strikes. The prime minister further emphasized that the mission targeted Iran’s ballistic missile program along with top nuclear scientists and officials who have been central to the regime’s weapons development efforts. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog reinforced this position by defending the attacks as Israel’s fundamental right to self-defense against an existential threat.

Iranian Leadership Casualties and Response

Reports indicate significant casualties among Iran’s military leadership, with Gen. Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, feared dead. Multiple sources have confirmed his death, dealing a severe blow to Iran’s military command structure. Additionally, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, further decimating the regime’s military leadership. These strategic eliminations appear to have been part of Israel’s calculated effort to degrade Iran’s military command capabilities simultaneously with the strikes against nuclear facilities.

IDF spokesperson issues statement after Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear facilities: “We have no choice. We are operating against an imminent and existential threat. We cannot allow the Iranian regime to obtain a nuclear weapon that would be a danger to Israel and the entire world.” pic.twitter.com/PXdRwgQpjl

— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 13, 2025

“We are going to have many more achievements,” Netanyahu declared, suggesting that the operation may be part of a broader campaign against Iranian military capabilities.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised severe retaliation, stating that Israel “should await a harsh response” for the attacks. Iranian armed forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that both Israel and the United States would pay a “heavy price” for the strikes, signaling potential widening of the conflict. Flights at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport have been suspended as Iran assesses damage and prepares its response.

U.S. Position and Global Reactions

The Biden administration has distanced itself from Israel’s operation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming that “Israel took unilateral action against Iran” without prior American involvement. The United States has issued stern warnings to Iran not to retaliate against American forces in the region, underscoring the delicate position Washington finds itself in as regional tensions escalate. U.S. Embassy officials in Israel have advised all government employees to shelter in place due to the high likelihood of Iranian retaliation.

“Look, it’s very simple, not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Other than that, I want them to be successful. I want them to be tremendous. We’ll help them be successful,” President Trump stated, reiterating his administration’s position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions while supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against existential threats.

The international community has responded with mixed reactions. U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned what he termed Israel’s “military escalation,” while calling for restraint from all parties. Global markets have reacted dramatically to the strikes, with oil prices jumping nearly 12% and U.S. stock futures dipping on fears of regional conflict that could disrupt oil supplies. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed the strike on Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility, a site central to Iran’s nuclear program.

Israel Braces for Retaliation

Israel has implemented comprehensive emergency measures in anticipation of Iranian retaliation. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared a “special state of emergency,” while authorities have banned school sessions, social gatherings, and non-essential work across the country. Air raid sirens have sounded throughout Israel as the military prepares for potential missile and drone attacks from Iran and its proxies. Israeli officials have specifically warned citizens to remain vigilant and stay near bomb shelters.

The strike comes after months of escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, with the IAEA recently censuring Iran for non-cooperation with international inspectors. Israel has cited Iran’s support for militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, along with previous missile attacks, as justification for the preemptive strikes. As the region teeters on the brink of wider conflict, both Israeli and American military forces remain on high alert for potential retaliatory actions from Tehran or its regional proxies.