In an abnormal attack, Israel struck the center of Iran’s nuclear, missile and military complex early Friday 13 June, 2025.
The attack reportedly killed three (3) of Iran’s most powerful persons and plunges the larger Middle East into dangerous new territory.
The attacks on Iran’s nuclear program and senior military officials could be a turning point in the long-running conflict, with Israel ready for a huge Iranian retaliation – and the threat of a larger fighting within the region breaking out now a real risk.
Subsequently Friday morning, that retaliation looked like to be underway after Israel’s military disclosed, Iran had fired more than 100 drones against Israel, and that Israel had started “intercepting” them outside of its borders.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, confirmed that a number of Iranian commanders and scientists had been killed in the attacks, and warned Israel will face “severe punishment” for the attacks.
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States (US), said, the United States (US) was not involved in the strikes, noting that Israel had “advised” the US that it believed the “action was necessary for its self-defense.”
Rubio said: “Tonight, Israel took unilateral decision against Iran. We are not involved in the strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.
“Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense.
“President Trump and the administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our region partners. Let me be clear, Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
Photo: A part of the scene after an attack in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on June 13, 2025. Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency – Al Jazeera
