June 13 — JERUSALEM / TEHRAN — In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel launched strikes early Friday on multiple targets across Iran, including the country’s central uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the Natanz site was hit and that it is monitoring the situation closely, raising global concerns over a potential regional war and nuclear safety risks.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said: “The IAEA is closely monitoring the deeply concerning situation in Iran. … The Agency is in contact with Iranian authorities regarding radiation levels. We are also in contact with our inspectors in the country.”
A Direct Blow to Iran’s Nuclear Program
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation targeted both “nuclear and military infrastructure” in Iran. Plumes of smoke were seen rising over Natanz, Iran’s key nuclear site long suspected of hosting weapons-grade uranium development.
Israeli officials framed the strike as a “preemptive defense” aimed at neutralizing what Netanyahu called a rapidly approaching nuclear threat. “This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival,” he said. “We will continue this campaign for as long as necessary to remove this threat.”
Details remain murky on the extent of the damage, but satellite imagery and on-the-ground reports indicate significant disruption at multiple sites.
High-Level Casualties and Impending Retaliation
Iran’s state television confirmed that Gen. Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard, was killed in the strikes—a staggering blow to the regime. Two nuclear scientists and another top Guard commander were also reported missing or presumed dead.
The death of Salami, if confirmed, is likely to trigger a severe retaliatory response. Iranian military and political leaders have yet to issue an official statement on the chain of command or specific countermeasures.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said missile and drone retaliation from Iran or its proxy militias is expected “immediately,” and urged civilians to follow emergency instructions.
U.S. Distances Itself
While the strike reverberated across the region, the Trump administration moved quickly to distance itself. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in the strikes and our top priority is protecting American personnel.”
President Donald Trump, who was seen mingling with members of Congress on the White House lawn as the news broke, later convened a National Security Council meeting. Though Trump had reportedly advised Netanyahu against such an operation during ongoing negotiations with Tehran, he acknowledged Thursday that an Israeli strike “could very well happen.”
The administration has since ordered partial evacuations of U.S. diplomatic staff from Iraq and increased protective measures at regional military installations.
Global Fallout and Nuclear Risks
The IAEA’s confirmation of the strike raises concerns about potential radiation leaks or damage to sensitive nuclear materials. Iran, which recently faced censure from the IAEA for failing to cooperate with inspections, had just announced plans to establish a third enrichment site using more advanced centrifuges.
While Iran has denied pursuing a nuclear weapons program, international observers have warned that its stockpile of enriched uranium is growing rapidly. U.S. intelligence agencies maintain that Iran does not currently have an active weapons program.
Nonetheless, oil prices surged nearly 8% following the news, both countries closed their airspace, and Israel temporarily shut down Ben Gurion Airport.
A Broader War?
Analysts caution that Friday’s events could mark the beginning of a broader regional conflict. Iran has multiple proxy forces across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Iraq and Syria, any of which could retaliate on Tehran’s behalf.
With the war in Gaza still dragging on after more than 20 months, the new front with Iran shifts the strategic calculus dramatically. Despite deep domestic divisions, Israel’s opposition leader Yair Lapid offered Netanyahu full support for the operation, reflecting the national consensus on the Iranian threat.
