Nuclear sites hit, oil depot targeted: Israel-Iran trade heavy blows; key details
A day after the Khamenei-led Islamic Republic struck the IDF's military base in Tel Aviv, Israel launched a major counteroffensive on Sunday, directly targeting Tehran's defence and energy infrastructure in a sharp escalation of hostilities between the two arch-rivals.
IDF also hit Iranian Shahran oil facility in its latest series of attacks.
In response, Iran fired a fresh wave of missiles into Israeli territory, killing four people and injuring several others in the northern Galilee region.
The strikes come just days after Israel's surprise launch of "Operation Rising Lion," targeting Iran's nuclear facility at Natanz. Sunday's attacks marked the most major Israeli action yet, with targets including Iran's ministry of defence headquarters and the SPND -- an agency Israel claims is central to Iran's nuclear weapons development.
Extensive series of strikes: IDF
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, stating: 'The IDF completed an extensive series of strikes on targets in Tehran related to the Iranian regime's nuclear weapons project… including the Iranian Ministry of Defence, SPND nuclear project headquarters, and additional sites where the regime hid its nuclear archive.'
Iran warns Israel
Loud explosions were reported across eastern and western Tehran late Sunday, with visuals showing heavy smoke billowing over the city skyline.
Iranian state media confirmed several areas were hit, but did not release casualty figures immediately.
Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said the missiles were aimed at facilities involved in the production of fuel for Israeli fighter jets. "If Israeli aggression continues, Iran will respond with further missile strikes," the Guard said in a statement.
The latest developments come just hours after Iran's Friday night retaliation for the Natanz strike, when it targeted Israel's heavily fortified Kirya compound in Tel Aviv -- the nerve centre of Israel's military command and home to its ministry of defence and intelligence units.
Homes hit, fires rage: Israel confirms
Israel's Fire and Rescue Services confirmed that multiple residential buildings in the coastal and northern regions were struck during the attacks, sparking fires in open areas. "Several incidents have been reported to our command centres in the Coastal and Northern Districts, including direct hits on homes and a blaze in an open area," said spokesperson Tal Volbovitz.
Global concerns
Adding to global concern, indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States -- scheduled to resume on Sunday -- were abruptly cancelled.
Mediator Oman confirmed the cancellation, with a senior US official saying, 'We remain committed to talks and hope the Iranians will return to the table soon.'
World leaders called for urgent de-escalation. China's foreign minister warned that strikes on nuclear facilities set a "dangerous precedent," while diplomats across Europe expressed concern over a wider regional conflict.
Israel claims its two-day offensive has eliminated nine top Iranian nuclear scientists and a number of senior generals.
Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has said 78 people were killed and more than 320 injured in the Israeli attacks.
'Tehran is burning'
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz posted a stark message on social media: 'Tehran is burning,' underscoring the gravity of the current escalation.
As both countries weigh the costs of further military engagement, the region teeters on the edge of a broader conflict, with diplomatic avenues rapidly closing.
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Indian Express
27 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Explained: What's happening in the latest Iran-Israel flare-up, in 5 points
Iran-Israel Conflict 2025: On Friday (June 13), Israel launched airstrikes towards Iran, targeting multiple nuclear and military facilities, and killing several senior military officers and scientists under what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called 'Operation Rising Lion'. He has framed what was the biggest attack on Iran in decades as an attempt to remove the 'nuclear threat' to Israel. Addressing the people of Iran in a video message, he said the time had come for them to stand up for their freedom from an 'evil and oppressive regime', which has 'never been weaker.' We explain what has happened. 1. What was the context for these attacks? Going back in history, Israel and Iran have had no diplomatic relations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which led to a theocratic government in Iran under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. It's important to note that before 1979, not only did the two countries have ties, but Iran was the second Muslim country to recognise Israel after its formation in 1948. However, the Islamist regime in Iran, which has since endured, viewed Israel as an occupier of Palestinian land. Khomeini termed Israel 'Little Satan' and its closest ally, the United States, as 'Great Satan' for what was seen as unnecessary Western interference in the Middle East. Over the years, the ties devolved with little trust on either side. Iran's support for Hamas and other Iran-backed regional actors, such as Hezbollah, especially after October 7, 2023, has drawn Israel's ire. Crucially, the great strategic concern in Israel is Iran possessing nuclear weapons, and to that end, it has previously launched attacks on scientists (although more targeted and tactical ones). Iran says it is not looking to develop weapons, and has simply invested in nuclear power over the decades. However, the process of enriching uranium for use in power plants can be furthered for making a nuclear bomb as well. Enrichment is how uranium-235, used for producing nuclear weapons, is extracted from the naturally occurring uranium-238 variety. Highly enriched uranium has previously been found at an Iranian plant in Natanz. Friday's attacks came one day after the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors censured Iran for the first time in 20 years for not working with its inspectors. It happened amid talks between the US and Iran for the removal of economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for reducing or ending uranium enrichment. The sixth round of nuclear negotiations was scheduled for Sunday in Muscat, but Oman announced they were scrapped. 2. What kind of damage has been inflicted? Some major targets include the Natanz enrichment facility, around 220 kilometres southeast of Tehran, which is Iran's main enrichment site. It sustained some damage, but there was no nuclear radiation or contamination. There is also the Fordo facility, the Bushehr nuclear power plant that is the only commercial n-power plant in Iran, and the Arak heavy water reactor. On Saturday, the scope of the attacks was expanded to include a refinery in Kangan. It is part of the world's largest gas field, the South Pars, owned by Iran and Qatar. The attacks resulted in a fire, temporarily pausing operations. Attacks have continued over the weekend, with the toll in Iran climbing up to 78 deaths and more than 300 injuries. Key military officers have been killed, including General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. On Friday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel initiated a war and said it will not be allowed to do 'hit and run'. 'The Zionist regime (Israel) will not remain unscathed from the consequences of its crime. The Iranian nation must be guaranteed that our response will not be half-measured,' he said. At least 100 drones were fired at Israel on Friday, but the Israeli Iron Dome defence system intercepted a majority of them. Missiles were launched towards Israel on Saturday night, resulting in three deaths and 34 injuries. Israel claimed to have gained control of the skies over the Iranian capital and warned that 'Tehran will burn' if more missiles are fired, The Guardian reported on Saturday. However, Iran has nonetheless threatened a 'more severe and powerful response'. It has also warned Western nations from extending support to Israel, and that it could target their infrastructure and military bases in the region. 4. How has the world reacted? US President Donald Trump said the country had no role in the attack, but Iran should accept a nuclear deal. He added that Israel possessed US-manufactured 'lethal' weaponry and that 'Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!' Saudi Arabia expressed 'strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms.' Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday urged both Israel and Iran 'to avoid any escalatory steps,' saying India has 'close and friendly' relations with the two nations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar received a call from the Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister and also spoke to his Iranian counterpart. Netanyahu also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who 'emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region,' according to a post on his X account. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said they were moving assets to the region, including jets, 'for contingency support'. The Chinese embassy in Israel said the Israeli strikes were 'significantly escalating the tensions.' A Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson called on all parties to avoid further escalation of tensions. 'China opposes any infringement on Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and opposes actions that escalate tensions and expand the conflict', the spokesperson said. China also offered to 'play a constructive role' in de-escalating the situation. 5. What happens next? In the short run, oil prices are likely to rise, and shipping in the Red Sea may be impacted. However, it is unclear to what level the conflict will escalate or not, given that the Israeli attacks stemmed from broader issues – Iran's nuclear program and Netanyahu addressing Iranians for regime change. On paper, when it comes to a comparison of the countries' military capabilities, Israel also has more advanced, US-backed technology, and has been more successful in inflicting damage in recent conflicts. A previous exchange of fire happened in April 2024 – the first time the countries engaged in direct confrontation. Iran launched strikes after Israel attacked its consulate in Damascus, Syria, killing senior military leaders. Then, too, Iranian attacks only resulted in limited damage. The Iranian government is also facing multiple problems at home, including economic downturn due to sanctions, domestic discontent, and now, its senior military leadership being eliminated. However, with the long history of their animosity, it would be difficult for either country to de-escalate without showing some gains from the strikes. Israel has undoubtedly faced criticism internationally, given its war in Gaza, but Iran's options are even more limited. Only China, Russia, and Burkina Faso opposed the IAEA resolution against it, and many in the Middle East are also worried about a nuclear-armed Iran.
Hans India
30 minutes ago
- Hans India
Haifa port in Israel operating normally despite Iran attack
There has been no damage to Israel's Haifa port in the Iranian ballistic missile attack on an oil refinery nearby and cargo operations are progressing unhindered, according to media reports. Despite strikes targeting the Haifa oil refinery and surrounding areas, the port itself is operating normally, with cargo operations continuing unhampered, reports confirmed. There are eight ships at the port now and cargo operations were being carried out normally, according to the reports. Late on Saturday night, Iran targeted Israel's Haifa port and a nearby oil refinery in retaliation to Tel Avi's attack on Iranian nuclear sites and missile factories and military command centres. Top military commanders and nuclear scientists were killed in the attacks launched by air. Shrapnel fell in the chemical terminal at the port and some other projectiles fell at the oil refinery but there is no damage to the port facilities. The refinery is reported to be at some distance from the port facilties. Haifa Port is a major international seaport located in northern Israel, a relatively less volatile region compared to the south. It is an important port for Israel both for imports and exports of the country. A major escalation unfolded as Iran reportedly launched a fresh barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel for the second consecutive night, with Iranian state media claiming a direct hit on the Haifa oil refinery, sparking a large fire near the northern port city. Official Israeli confirmation of a refinery strike remains pending. The missile assault reportedly struck a residential building in Tamra near Haifa, killing three and injuring at least 14 others. Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other overnight into Sunday, killing scores, as US President Donald Trump said the conflict could be ended easily while warning Tehran not to strike any US targets. Israeli rescue teams combed through the rubble of residential buildings destroyed in strikes, using flashlights and sniffer dogs to look for survivors after at least 10 people, including children, were killed, authorities said. Iran has said at least 138 people have been killed in Israel's onslaught since Friday. The Israeli military warned Iranians living near weapons facilities to evacuate. US President Donald Trump has said that Washington is not involved in the attacks in Iran. However, Tehran has alleged a US hand in the Israeli offensive and has called off the nuclear talks which were scheduled to take place in Oman on Sunday. Trump has warned Tehran against any retaliatory attacks on US facilities or interests. "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict," he added
Hans India
31 minutes ago
- Hans India
Iran confirms deaths of 8 more senior commanders in Israeli attacks
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has confirmed that eight other senior commanders of its aerospace division were killed in Israel's Friday airstrikes on the capital, Tehran. In a statement published on its official news outlet Sepah News, the IRGC extended condolences over the "martyrdom" of its senior commanders, Xinhua reported. It listed the slain commanders as Mahmoud Bagheri, Davoud Sheikhian, Mohammad-Bagher Taherpour, Mansour Safarpour, Masoud Tayyeb, Khosrow Hassani, Javad Jorsara, and Mohammad Aghajafari. Israel early Friday launched airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, hitting nuclear facilities and killing a number of Iran's top military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. It continued its attacks on different parts of Iran on Saturday and Sunday. Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC's Chief Commander Hossein Salami, Commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Gholam-Ali Rashid, and Commander of the IRGC's Aerospace Division Amir Ali Hajizadeh were assassinated in the Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. In response, Iran on Friday and Saturday nights launched several waves of missile attacks against targets in Israel, inflicting casualties and heavy damage. In Israel, a rocket struck a residential building in a northern community, killing one woman and injuring 13 others, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical service. Several others sustained moderate to light injuries, and four individuals were treated for anxiety, MDA said. Earlier in the day, MDA reported that at least three people had been killed and 204 others injured since the beginning of the Iranian offensive, Xinhua news agency reported. Following the latest wave of attacks, Israel's Home Front Command advised residents outside the Haifa and northern regions that they could exit bomb shelters but should remain close to protected areas. The Israeli military said that its air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming projectiles, while Israeli air force units were carrying out strikes on military targets in Tehran.
