Israel Strikes Iran, Targets Nuclear Facilities

What happened?

On Friday, 13 June early morning, Israel launched a 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞 targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile program sites, military commanders and scientists. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said “𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐨𝐧” was a “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival” adding that “this operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”

The strikes targeted Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz and the nuclear research centre at Tabriz along with several strategic facilities around Tehran including Parchin, Arak, Kermanshah and Isfahan.

In the attacks, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri were killed. Six top nuclear scientists were also killed in targeted killings.

In response to the attacks, Iran retaliated with over 100 drones aimed at Israel, which were intercepted by Israel’s defence systems.  𝐈𝐬𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲, warning of imminent missile and drone retaliation from Iran. Israeli authorities have instructed civilians to remain in protected areas.

Global Reactions

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised Washington’s non-involvement in the Israeli strikes and warned Iran not to retaliate against the U.S. interests. Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned attacks on Iran stating it is a clear violation of international laws and norms. Japan condemned Israel’s airstrikes and called for restraint to maintain peace and stability. The UN Secretary General has advised restraint. The UN nuclear watchdog has said that though Natanz nuclear enrichment facility has been hit, there hasn’t been any rise in radiation levels detected.

Following the attacks, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan have closed their airspace while Israel has shut its airports. This has significantly disrupted air travel. The attacks have spooked energy markets leading to spike in crude prices by 8-9%, reflecting fears of supply constraints. The likelihood of further Israeli attacks and Iranian retaliation increases the risk of a wider conflict in the region.

Advice

Avoid all travel to Israel, Iraq and Iran and non-essential travel to Middle East. Those in Israel should remain close to shelter and follow instructions from Home Command Front.

The US has issued a security alert directing all government employees in Israel and their families to shelter in place and advised US citizens in the country to take precautions and know the location of their nearest shelters in case of potential attacks.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: This article has references to official and open sources, including CNN, the Hindu, and Al Jazeera. 

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