Israel launches ‘major strike’ on Iran’s military, nuclear sites
June 12, 2025 · Middle East Desk · WSN024
Jerusalem / Tehran — Israel launched a series of powerful air and missile strikes overnight targeting Iranian military and suspected nuclear development sites, in what officials have described as a “major operation” aimed at halting Tehran’s regional threat capabilities.
The strikes hit locations near Isfahan, Natanz, and western Tehran province, according to Iranian media and international observers. Air defenses were activated across multiple Iranian cities, while unconfirmed footage circulating online shows explosions and smoke rising from key sites.
“We have initiated a preemptive strike against facilities directly linked to Iran’s missile and nuclear escalation,” said an Israeli military spokesperson. The statement emphasized that Israel “will not allow an existential threat to materialize.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed several installations were targeted but claimed most of the missiles were intercepted. State TV reported casualties and material damage but stopped short of giving full details.
This marks the most direct Israeli military action against Iranian soil to date, sparking fears of a wider regional war. UN officials called for immediate de-escalation and an emergency Security Council session has been scheduled for later today.
Both the U.S. and European powers have urged restraint, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry vowed a “swift and crushing response.”
Global oil markets responded with a spike in prices amid uncertainty over the Middle East’s stability, and airlines have started rerouting flights away from Iranian and Israeli airspace.