Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes Into Israel (Live Updates)
Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel on Friday evening local time, one day after Israel launched a major attack on Iran and killed several top military officials and nuclear scientists.
June 13, 3 p.m. EDTThe Islamic Republic News Agency confirmed the 'wave of hypersonic missile strikes,' on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, calling Israel's attack 'unprovoked,' whileIRNA also reported Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appointed new military officials the same day of Israel's attack.
2:40 p.m. EDTKhamenei said Israel 'will not remain unscathed' and that Tehran 'will not go for half-measures' in a retaliatory attack, according to Al Jazeera, which also reported sirens and warnings across the occupied West Bank.
1 p.m., EDTIran called Israel's attack a 'declaration of war,' according to Middle East Eye and AFP.
Trump told Axios that Israel used 'great American equipment' in its attack on Iran.
11 a.m. EDTEarlier this morning, President Donald Trump told Reuters that it was 'unclear' whether Iran still has a nuclear program, after Israel killed several nuclear scientists and military officials in its escalating attacks on the country.
Reuters also reported that nearly 80 Iranian civilians were killed in Israeli strikes on apartment blocks, according to local media.
9:30 a.m. EDTThe United States is moving military resources, including multiple missile destroyers, toward the eastern Mediterranean Sea so they can be available for use, multiple U.S. officials told the Associated Press, who also said President Donald Trump is meeting with the National Security Council to discuss the situation.
9:00 a.m. EDTTrump said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal he was aware of the strikes on Iran ahead of time, stating when asked whether the United States was given a heads-up on the attack: 'Heads-up? It wasn't a heads-up. It was, we know what's going on,' adding he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday and plans to speak with him again Friday.
6:30 a.m. EDTTrump said on Truth Social he gave 'Iran chance after chance to make a deal…but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn't get it done.'
Trump touted the lethality of U.S. weapons systems and appeared to signal Israel will be receiving more of them, saying: 'the United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come - And they know how to use it.'
The president appeared to blame Iranian hardliners for stalling the deal, and said: 'They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse,' before he suggested that further attacks will be 'more brutal.'
Trump then urged Iran to 'make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire.'
June 13, 5 a.m. EDTGlobal crude oil prices jumped sharply while U.S. stock futures fell early on Friday with the global benchmark Brent Crude Futures index briefly touching $78 per barrel before settling at $74.40—up more than 7% from the previous day.
The U.S.'s West Texas Intermediate benchmark also surged by more than 7.5% to nearly $73.20 a barrel.
2:30 a.m. EDTThe Iranian foreign ministry issued a statement where they appeared to dismiss Secretary of State Marco Rubio's comments about Israel acting unilaterally, without U.S. support.
The statement said, 'the acts of aggression against Iran could not have been carried out without the coordination and approval of the United States.'
The foreign ministry also appeared to threaten retaliation against the U.S. saying: 'the US government, as the primary patron of this regime, will also bear responsibility for the dangerous repercussions of the Zionist regime's reckless actions.'
1.40 a.m. EDTIn an announcement on state television, Iranian officials said they will will not participate in Sunday's nuclear talks with the U.S., which was scheduled to take place in Oman.
Citing unnamed sources, the New York Times reported a short while ago that President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was still planning on attending Sundays' talks and the president also told Fox News' Bret Baier that: 'We'll hopefully get back to the negotiating table.'
1.30 a.m. EDTIranian authorities have informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that its 'Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has not been targeted and that no increase in radiation levels has been observed at the Natanz site,' the agency's chief said.
1.20 a.m. EDTFox News anchor Bret Baier said he spoken with President Donald Trump who told him he 'was aware of Israel's action before it happened,' and reiterated his stance that 'Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb.'
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Trump told Netanyahu on Monday to not bomb Iran as he wanted see the ongoing talks progressed before using military options.
1.15 a.m. EDTIsraeli military officials said Iran has launched around 100 drones at Israel in the last few hours, in the first wave of counter attacks.
The officials said the IDF is working to shoot down the drones, which will to take several hours to reach Israel.
1.10 a.m. EDTThe Israeli Defense Forces corroborated Iranian news reports that Mohammad Bagheri, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces was also killed in the strikes, along with the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami.
The IDF claimed that the strikes were carried out by more than 200 fighter jets, targeting various sites across Iran.
12.20 a.m. EDTIn a televised statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes on Iran had been 'very successful' and added: 'We struck the senior command, we struck senior scientists that advance development of nuclear weapons, we struck nuclear installations.'
Netanyahu, however, urged Israelis to brace for retaliation by Iran, noting that they may have to spend 'far longer periods in bomb shelters than we were accustomed to until now.'
June 12, 11.45 p.m. EDTIn a statement issued to state media, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei decried the strikes, calling them 'evil,' and warned that Israel 'should expect a severe punishment...as the powerful hand of the Islamic Republic will not let them go.'
Khamenei also hailed the nuclear scientists and military officials killed in the attacks, calling them 'martyrs.'
Khamenei's statement did not mention the U.S. and said the successors and colleagues of the scientists and military leaders killed in the attack will take over their roles.
11.20 p.m. EDTAn Iranian military spokesperson, Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, told the country's media that the overnight strikes damaged residential buildings and claimed that the Israeli attack had been 'carried out with U.S. support,' even as Washington has denied involvement.
Shekarchi added that the Israeli strikes will be met with a 'heavy response,' although he did not say if U.S. interests or forces in the region will be targeted.
11 p.m. EDTThe IAEA's Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that Iran's Natanz nuclear sites was targeted by the Israeli strikes and said: 'The Agency is in contact with Iranian authorities regarding radiation levels. We are also in contact with our inspectors in the country.'
10:30 p.m. EDTIranian state media said the commander in chief of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Gen. Hossein Salami, was killed in the Israeli strikes, along with Gen. Gholamali Rashid, the deputy chief of staff of the Iranian military.
State media reports added that two prominent nuclear scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi, the former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi were also killed in the strikes.
10 p.m. EDTSirens blared across Israel on Thursday night as the country's defense minister Israel Katz declared a state of emergency in the country saying: 'Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the state of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future.'
9:15 p.m. EDTSecretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement the U.S. is not involved in the strikes and urged Iran to not target U.S. interests or personnel.
9 p.m. EDTIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had launched strikes to target Iran's main nuclear enrichment facility and its nuclear scientists, claiming that the Iranian nuclear program posed 'a danger to Israel's very survival.'
Netanyahu also claimed the attacks were meant to stop Iran 'buying for time' in its ongoing nuclear talks with the United States, while praising President Donald Trump's 'leadership.'
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Israel had taken 'unilateral action against Iran,' and the U.S. was not involved in the strikes. He said: 'Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense.' Rubio then said all necessary steps were being taken to protect U.S. forces in the region and added: 'Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.' Earlier on Thursday, President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. remained committed to a 'Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue,' adding that 'My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon.'
In a post on X, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wrote: 'Israel IS right—and has a right—to defend itself!' Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., criticized the strikes saying: 'Israel's attack on Iran, clearly intended to scuttle the Trump Administration's negotiations with Iran, risks a regional war that will likely be catastrophic for America and is further evidence of how little respect world powers - including our own allies - have for President Trump.' Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I. also called out the attacks, saying: '"Israel's alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence. These strikes threaten not only the lives of innocent civilians but the stability of the entire Middle East and the safety of American citizens and forces.'
The attack comes a day after several U.S. embassies in the Middle East were evacuated over 'heightened security risks' in the region. President Donald Trump, who has opposed immediate military action against Iran in hopes a nuclear deal could be reached, said Thursday afternoon, prior to the strike, 'it looks like something could very well happen' and that the U.S. was "fairly close' on a nuclear agreement. Trump also said an attack by Israel 'could blow' a potential agreement, noting there is a 'chance of massive conflict."
Will Israel Strike Iran? Trump Evacuates 4 Middle East Embassies As Fears Grow (Forbes)
An Israeli military official says his country targeted Iranian nuclear sites (Forbes)
Yezen Saadah also contributed to reporting.
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- Hamilton Spectator
Military parade set to kick off in nation's capital as protesters around the country decry Trump
WASHINGTON (AP) — Tanks, troops and marching bands assembled in the nation's capital Saturday for a massive parade of American military power requested by President Donald Trump, a show that was met by thousands of Americans around the country displaying another kind of power: protest. Hours before the parade honoring the Army's 250th anniversary was set to start, demonstrators turned out in streets and parks around the nation to decry the Republican president as a dictator or would-be king. They criticized Trump for using the military to respond to those protesting his deportation efforts and for sending tanks, thousands of marching troops and military aircraft out for a show in the U.S. capital. In Washington, anti-war protesters unfurled signs that said 'Homes not drones' not far from a display of armored vehicles, helicopters and military-grade equipment on the National Mall set up to commemorate the Army's birthday. 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The daylong display of America's Army comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use the nation's military might in ways other U.S. presidents have typically avoided, inviting an array of lawsuits and accusations that he is politicizing the military. In the last week, he has activated the California National Guard without the governor's permission and dispatched the U.S. Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests related to immigration raids, prompting a state lawsuit to stop the deployments. He similarly sought to project military strength during his first presidential term, saying in 2020 that he wanted forces to 'dominate' the streets following racial justice protests that turned violent and warning governors that he was prepared to send in active-duty fighters if they did not call out the National Guard in their states. Earlier this week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division, who were directed to stand behind Trump, booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks , including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There also was a pop-up 'Make America Great Again' merchandise stand nearby selling souvenirs to troops in uniform. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of Congress and military leaders have expressed concerns about the political displays during the speech at Fort Bragg. Saturday's pageantry was designed to fulfill Trump's expressed desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first term after seeing one in Paris on Bastille Day in 2017. Trump said after watching the two-hour procession along the famed Champs-Élysées that he wanted an even grander one in Washington. Saturday's event is expected to include about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks , as well as possibly 200,000 attendees and heightened security to match. The parade will wind down Constitution Avenue, lined with security fencing and barriers. Army helicopters and aircraft will fly above, and the march will be capped off by a parachute jump, a concert featuring 'God Bless the U.S.A.' singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks. It remained unclear whether any protests would disrupt the parade, though several hundred demonstrators assembled in the hours before. Officials have said they had no indication of any security threat. 'No Kings' rallies — organizers picked the name to support democracy and speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration — unfolding in hundreds of cities — were meant to counter what organizers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. Ahead of a rally and march toward the White House on Saturday afternoon, about 200 protesters assembled in northwest Washington's Logan Circle and handed out signs and danced to upbeat music from a local street band, including 'This Land Is Your Land.' The mood was celebratory as the group chanted 'Trump must go now' before erupting in cheers. A larger-than-life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd, a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet. Other protesters waved pride flags and hoisted signs, some with pointed messages such as 'I prefer crushed ICE,' referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Other messages were: 'The invasion was HERE Jan. 6th, NOT in L.A.' and 'Flip me off if you're a FASCIST.' With rain expected, there was a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms. The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade. The parade is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT, but parts of it — including the horse-drawn caissons and other units — start at the Pentagon, head over a bridge and meet up with some of the heavier tanks and equipment. Officials did not want the more-than-60-ton M1A1 Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles crossing the bridge. Timed down to the minute, the march will be divided into sections by history — with equipment and troops in full dress from each period. It will include a total of 6,169 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead. At the end of the parade, Trump will swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops, and the Army's Golden Knights parachute team will jump onto the Mall. That will be followed by a concert and fireworks. ____ Associated Press writers Eric Tucker, Michelle L. Price, Nathan Ellgren, Lea Skene, Olivia Diaz, Joey Cappelletti, Ashraf Khalil and Tara Copp contributed to this report. Error! 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