In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday (June 13, 2025) that a series of Israeli strikes on Iran had been “very successful”, confirming the elimination of key Iranian military and nuclear figures.

In a televised address, Netanyahu declared, “We have hit the senior command, we have hit senior scientists who are promoting the development of atomic bombs, we have hit nuclear facilities.”

He further added, “We carried out a very successful opening strike, and with God’s help, we will achieve much more.”

This confirmation comes amid ongoing military operations and increasing fears of a full-scale regional conflict.

Key Iranian Leaders Reportedly Killed

According to Iranian state television and semi-official Tasnim news agency, the Israeli strikes have resulted in the death of two of Iran’s most powerful military figures:

• Mohammad Bagheri, the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, considered the highest-ranking military officer in Iran

• Hossein Salami, the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

These deaths mark a severe blow to Iran’s military leadership, and analysts believe they could trigger significant retaliation from Tehran.

Israel’s Strategic Objective

The Israeli leadership has framed the operation as part of a pre-emptive campaign to neutralise Iran’s nuclear threat.

Netanyahu stated that the targets were carefully selected to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weapons development and decapitate its strategic military leadership.

“We are acting to protect the citizens of Israel and the future of our nation,” Netanyahu said, calling it an “opening salvo” in a campaign that would continue for many days.

Israeli military sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the strikes included missile and drone attacks on nuclear research sites, weapons facilities, and military command centres in various parts of Iran.

Iran Confirms High-Level Casualties

Iranian media outlets acknowledged the death of Bagheri and Salami, with national mourning declared in several provinces.

State television interrupted regular programming to broadcast tributes and footage of destroyed military facilities, claiming that Iran would “respond decisively and without delay.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry said, “The blood of our martyrs will not be in vain. The Zionist regime will face consequences unlike anything it has seen before.”

International Reactions and Regional Implications

The international community has responded with grave concern, urging both sides to exercise restraint.

The United Nations Secretary-General issued a statement calling for an immediate de-escalation, while the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) warned of the danger of a wider regional war.

The United States, a key Israeli ally, issued a cautious response. The U.S. State Department confirmed it was monitoring the situation closely and urged both parties to “avoid actions that risk plunging the region into open war.”

A Turning Point in Middle East Conflict

This strike is seen as one of the most direct and consequential military actions taken by Israel against Iran in recent years.

While covert attacks, cyber warfare, and targeted assassinations have marked past confrontations, this open military strike, leading to the death of top Iranian military leaders, is a game-changing moment in the region’s geopolitics.

Military analysts note that targeting Iran’s nuclear programme directly and taking out top defence leadership could provoke unprecedented retaliation, including missile attacks on Israeli cities, cyber offensives, or proxy attacks through Hezbollah or Houthi forces.

What Netanyahu Said in His Statement

Netanyahu, appearing calm but determined, assured the Israeli public that the government was prepared for any response.

“We are not looking for war, but we will not allow a regime that openly declares its intention to destroy Israel to possess nuclear weapons,” he said.

“We acted with precision. We acted with clarity. And we will continue to act,” he added.

He did not confirm or deny speculation about Israel’s use of long-range ballistic missiles or covert operations on the ground in Iran.

Ongoing Military Operations and Airspace Closure

Several countries in the Middle East have closed their airspace to avoid being caught in potential military spillover.

Flights in and out of Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and parts of Turkey were cancelled or diverted. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) also confirmed heightened alert across northern Israel, with troop reinforcements near the Lebanon and Syrian borders.

Security measures in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and southern regions were ramped up, and emergency shelters were opened.

Israel's Broader Strategy

The strikes are being viewed not just as retaliation, but part of Israel’s larger doctrine of strategic deterrence, aimed at eroding Iran’s capacity to threaten its borders.

Israel has repeatedly warned that it would not allow Iran to become a nuclear power, and this latest move signals a shift from covert to overt military action.

Experts believe that the IDF and Mossad have been preparing this campaign for months, possibly in coordination with Western intelligence partners.

Next Steps and Global Attention

With the international spotlight now focused on the Israeli-Iranian conflict, all eyes are on Tehran’s response.

Will Iran retaliate directly? Will it activate proxy forces in the region? Or will it turn to diplomatic pressure through the UN Security Council?

For now, Netanyahu has made it clear: Israel will not stop.

“We will do whatever is necessary to protect our people, our future, and our homeland,” he said.

This story continues to develop and will have far-reaching implications for regional stability, global diplomacy, and the balance of power in the Middle East.

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