Netanyahu: We will strike Iranian nuclear weapons, missiles, and military headquarters - Al-Arabiya

Netanyahu: We will strike Iranian nuclear weapons, missiles, and military headquarters - Al-Arabiya

In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel has launched a series of preemptive strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, military headquarters, and missile launch sites. The strikes, which began early Friday morning, have been described as part of "Operation Rising Lion" by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The operation targeted multiple sites, including Natanz, Fordow, Tehran, and Karaj, in what Israel claims is an effort to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced the strikes, stating that "following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future." This statement underscores the potential for further escalation in the region.

In response to the Israeli strikes, Iran launched approximately 100 missiles at Israel, prompting the IDF to intercept the majority of the projectiles using its Iron Dome missile defense system. The U.S. has confirmed that it assisted Israel in intercepting the Iranian missiles.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed significant damage to key centrifuge production sites at the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center. The agency reported that one building at the Tehran site, where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested, was hit, and two buildings at Karaj were destroyed. The agency also noted damage to underground enrichment halls at Natanz and the destruction of several facilities at the Isfahan complex, including the uranium conversion plant.

The IAEA's Director-General, Rafael Grossi, has warned of escalation and urged restraint, stating that "military escalation threatens lives, increases the chance of a radiological release with serious consequences for people and the environment." Grossi emphasized the need for diplomacy and restraint to prevent further deterioration in the region.

The strikes come as negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), remain stalled. The agreement was abandoned by the United States in 2018 under President Donald Trump, and Iran partially withdrew in 2019.

The Israeli strikes have been widely condemned by international bodies and countries, with many calling for de-escalation and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged all parties to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation.

In the wake of the strikes, Israel has closed its airspace until further notice, and the country's National Security Cabinet has been meeting to assess the situation and plan for potential further actions.

References:
[1] CNN. (2025, June 12). Israel-iran-strikes-intl-hnk. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/12/middleeast/israel-iran-strikes-intl-hnk
[2] Defense Mirror. (2025, June 12). Major Setback to Iranian civil nuclear program as nuclear sites damaged in Israeli bombing. Retrieved from https://www.defensemirror.com/news/39701
[3] CBS News. (2025, June 12). Israeli airstrikes on Iran: What we know. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israeli-airstrikes-iran-nuclear-sites-what-we-know/