Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli Air Force launched missile and drone attacks on several nuclear and military installations in Iran. On Friday (June 13), around 3:00 AM, powerful explosions occurred in various locations, including the northeastern part of Iran's capital, Tehran.
Following these blasts, Iran's state news agency Noor News claimed that all flights were canceled, and operations at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport were suspended.
Additionally, the US news agency Axios reported, citing two anonymous sources, that the Israeli Air Force carried out attacks in Iran, causing the explosions. The Israeli army confirmed that they struck Iran in a pre-planned military operation named 'Nation of Lions.'
However, Iran's state television channel Press TV alleged that the Israeli attacks also targeted residential buildings, an accusation Israel has denied.
The Times of Israel reported that military and nuclear facilities in Iran were directly targeted in this attack.
An Israeli military spokesperson stated that the attack was conducted based on high-quality intelligence, with the primary objective of destroying Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and military capabilities. The operation, involving more than two dozen jet aircraft, was meticulously planned and precise.
Confirming the matter, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel launched a 'preemptive' attack on Iran.
At the same time, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government declared a 'special state of emergency' across Israel, stating that the preemptive attack on Iran's military and nuclear installations was carried out due to the anticipated missile and drone attacks against the state of Israel and its civilian population in the near future.
Al Jazeera's report stated that Israel also took precautionary measures within its own territory in response to the attacks. A statement released by the Israeli military spokesperson's office said that all educational activities, gatherings, and workplace operations across the country have been prohibited from 3:00 AM local time until further notice, with the exception of essential businesses.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the aim of this attack is to destroy Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and military capabilities.
He further added, "This operation will continue for as long as it takes until our mission is complete."
Additionally, two unnamed US officials told Reuters that Israel carried out an attack in Iran, but Washington did not assist in this attack and declined to provide further details.
Regarding this, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States is not involved in the Israeli forces' attack on Iran. Washington's highest priority is to ensure the protection of US forces in the region.