Action generated immediate reaction from Tehran, who fired drones towards the Israeli territory; Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation will continue
Launched, on Friday (13), a new series of air attacks against strategic targets, including military command centers and nuclear facilities. The action marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the two countries and generated immediate reaction from Tehran, who fired drones toward Israeli territory. According to Israel’s defense forces (IDF), the operation reached missile launch bases and facilities associated with the Iranian nuclear program. Bombed targets include cities such as Tehran, Tabriz, Shiraz, Khorramabad, Fordow and Natanz – where the country’s main nuclear reactor is located.
Iranian agency Fars has reported explosions near the nuclear base of Fordow, and state media has confirmed detonations in different regions of the capital. Also according to Iran’s vehicles, 78 civilians died and at least 329 were injured only in Tehran. In response, Iran has launched an initial drone lead against Israel without causing much damage. According to Israeli authorities, many of the artifacts were intercepted, including by air defense systems called by Jordan.
The Israeli Premier said the attacks will continue and classified the Iranian regime as an “existential threat” to the Jewish state. He also stated that the United States were previously informed about the offensive. “If Iran has nuclear weapons, we will not exist here,” he said. Among the dead in the Israeli offensive are central figures of the Iranian military command, including the armed forces chief of staff, General Mohammed Bagheri, and the commander of the revolutionary guard, Hossein Salami. Scientists linked to the nuclear program were also hit.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA) has confirmed that it is in contact with Iran to evaluate the damage and possible risks of contamination. Director-General Rafael Grossi stressed that “nuclear facilities should never be attacked”, even in conflict contexts. Iran promised a boundless retaliation. The supreme leader of the country, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that “the Zionist regime imposed on himself a bitter and painful destiny.” He appointed new military commanders after the loss of the main leaders.
The tension between countries has grown again after declaring that Iran is in disagreement with the international nuclear inspection regime. Estimates point out that the country already has sufficient fissile material to produce up to six warheads, which has increased fears in Israel. Behind the scenes, the United States monitor the situation. The US President warned Iran about new waves of attacks and reaffirmed military support to Israel. American assets remain positioned in the region, including the base of Diego Garcia and naval groups near the Persian Gulf.
The conflict also reverberated among Iran’s regional allies. The Lebanese group Hezbollah condemned the attacks, but did not announce retaliation. Already the Houthis, from Yemen, fired a missile that fell in Hebron, West Bank, hurting three Palestinian children. Military escalation deepens the crisis that began with the war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, and endangers the stability of the entire Middle East region.
Posted by Felipe Dantas
*Report produced with the aid of AI
