Israel launched a pre-emptive military strike on Iran early Friday (June 13), targeting nuclear and military infrastructure, according to Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz. The move follows warnings from former U.S. President Donald Trump that Israeli action against Iran’s nuclear sites was imminent.
“Following the State of Israel’s pre-emptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack targeting Israel and its civilian population is expected shortly,” Minister Katz said in a statement. As a precaution, Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency in anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation.
An Israeli military official confirmed that the operation involved strikes on “dozens” of targets, claiming Iran has stockpiled enough enriched uranium to manufacture up to 15 nuclear weapons within days.
In Iran, state television reported multiple explosions heard in the capital, Tehran, as the country’s air defence systems were activated. “Loud explosions are being heard in different locations of the capital,” state TV announced, although the cause remained officially unconfirmed. AFP correspondents in Tehran also reported hearing the blasts.
Amid the unfolding crisis, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the United States was not involved in the Israeli strikes. He urged Tehran not to retaliate against American personnel or interests in the region. “Israel acted unilaterally. Our priority remains the safety of American forces,” Rubio said, warning, “Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
CNN reported that President Trump was convening an emergency cabinet meeting at the White House in response to the situation.
Financial markets reacted swiftly, with global crude oil prices surging over US$3 per barrel due to heightened geopolitical tensions.
Meanwhile, the prospect of diplomatic de-escalation appears bleak. A sixth round of nuclear negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials, scheduled to be held in Oman on Sunday, now faces uncertainty. Omani mediators acknowledged the talks were already showing signs of deadlock prior to the strike.
While Trump had said on Thursday that an Israeli strike “could very well happen,” he expressed hope for a peaceful resolution. However, U.S. intelligence reports suggested Israel had already begun preparations for a strike days in advance.
Israel has repeatedly warned of military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons—a stance that has gained urgency in recent weeks as Iran accelerated its uranium enrichment program.
The U.S. military, meanwhile, is reportedly preparing for a range of regional contingencies, including possible evacuations of American nationals, a senior official told Reuters under condition of anonymity.
