By JON GAMBRELL and JOSEF FEDERMAN Related Press
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday in strikes that focused the nation’s nuclear program and raised the potential for an all-out struggle between the 2 bitter Center East adversaries. It gave the impression to be essentially the most vital assault Iran has confronted since its Nineteen Eighties struggle with Iraq, with a number of websites across the nation hit.
The chief of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was killed, Iranian state tv reported, in a serious physique blow to Tehran’s governing theocracy and a direct escalation of the nations’ long-simmering battle. An anchor learn a press release saying: “The information of assassination and martyrdom of Gen. Hossein Salami was confirmed,” however didn’t elaborate. One other prime Guard official, in addition to two nuclear scientists, had been additionally feared useless.
Israeli leaders mentioned the assault was essential to go off what they described as an imminent menace that Iran would construct nuclear bombs, and so they warned of a reprisal that would goal civilians in Israel.
In Washington, the Trump administration, which earlier cautioned Israel in opposition to an assault amid persevering with negotiations, mentioned that it had not been concerned within the assault and warned Iran in opposition to retaliations in opposition to U.S. pursuits or personnel.
A number of websites within the capital had been hit within the assault, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned focused each nuclear and army websites. Additionally focused had been officers main Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile arsenal.
Sounds of explosions had been heard once more inside hours. It wasn’t instantly clear if it was air protection programs going off or one other assault.
The assault got here amid warnings from Israel that it will not allow Tehran to construct a nuclear weapon, although it stays unclear how shut the nation really is to reaching that.
Netanyahu mentioned in an deal with on YouTube that the assaults will proceed “for as many days at it takes to take away this menace.”
The assault adopted growing tensions that led the U.S. to drag some diplomats from Iraq’s capital and to supply voluntary evacuations for the households of U.S. troops within the wider Center East.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned Israel took “unilateral motion in opposition to Iran” and that Israel suggested the U.S. that it believed the strikes had been essential for its self-defense.
“We aren’t concerned in strikes in opposition to Iran, and our prime precedence is defending American forces within the area,” Rubio mentioned in a press release launched by the White Home that warned Iran in opposition to concentrating on U.S. pursuits or personnel.
The assault comes as tensions have reached new heights over Tehran’s quickly advancing nuclear program.
The Board of Governors on the Worldwide Atomic Power Company for the primary time in 20 years on Thursday censured Iran over its refusal to work with its inspectors. Iran instantly introduced it will set up a 3rd enrichment web site within the nation and swap out some centrifuges for more-advanced ones.
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Residents watch a broken condominium in Tehran, Iran, early Friday, June 13, 2025. Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday, with explosions booming throughout Tehran.(AP Photograph/Vahid Salemi)
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Residents watch a broken condominium in Tehran, Iran, early Friday, June 13, 2025. Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday, with explosions booming throughout Tehran.(AP Photograph/Vahid Salemi)
There are a number of assessments on what number of nuclear weapons Iran might doubtlessly construct, ought to it select to take action. Iran would wish months to assemble, check and area any weapon, which it thus far has mentioned it has no want to do. U.S. intelligence companies additionally assess Iran doesn’t have a weapons program at the moment.
Benchmark Brent crude spiked on information of the assault, rising practically 5%.
Israeli Protection Minister Israel Katz mentioned that his nation carried out the assault, with out saying what it focused.
“Within the wake of the state of Israel’s preventive assault in opposition to Iran, missile and drone assaults in opposition to Israel and its civilian inhabitants are anticipated instantly,” he mentioned in a press release.
The assertion added that Katz “signed a particular order declaring an emergency scenario within the residence entrance.”
“It’s important to take heed to directions from the house entrance command and authorities to remain in protected areas,” it mentioned
Iran, Israel and close by Iraq closed their airspaces.
Because the explosions in Tehran began, President Donald Trump was on the garden of the White Home mingling with members of Congress. It was unclear if he had been knowledgeable, however the president continued shaking fingers and posing for footage for a number of minutes.
Trump earlier mentioned he was urging Netanyahu to carry off from taking motion in the intervening time whereas the administration negotiated with Iran.
“So long as I believe there’s a (likelihood for an) settlement, I don’t need them getting into as a result of I believe it will blow it,” Trump informed reporters.
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