New Delhi: A sudden wave of Israeli airstrikes jolted Iran’s capital early Friday, with Tel Aviv confirming the targeted assault on military facilities near Tehran. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israeli fighter jets carried out “pre-emptive precision strikes” in response to what he called escalating threats from across the border.
At least six military locations were hit around Tehran, including four that allegedly housed sensitive nuclear infrastructure. According to Israeli intelligence claims, several senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists were killed in the operation. Among the deceased, reportedly, is Major General Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
State-run Iranian media also confirmed Salami’s death, alongside other prominent figures, including Sardar Mohammad Rashid, head of the Khatam al Anbiya central command, and noted nuclear experts Dr. Fereydoun Abbasi and Dr. Mohammad Tehranchi.
Israel has further claimed the strike killed Iran’s top military officer, General Mohammad Bagheri, and multiple high-ranking commanders involved in Tehran’s military and nuclear strategy.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has acknowledged that one of the targeted sites was the Natanz enrichment facility. Speaking from Vienna, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the agency is in close communication with Iranian authorities and is closely monitoring radiation levels and safety protocols in the wake of the assault.
Reacting to the attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his nation with a message, saying, “Iran holds significant capabilities to harm us—we are prepared. I urge all Israeli citizens to stay calm and follow official guidance in the days ahead.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a fiery message, vowed harsh retaliation. “This usurping regime has committed a grave crime on our soil,” he said. “They struck deeper into civilian zones than ever before. They will face a bitter reckoning.”
As tensions flare, the Indian embassy in Tehran has urged all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin in Iran to stay vigilant, restrict non-essential movement, and follow updates through official social media channels. The embassy stressed the importance of adhering to local safety advisories amid the rapidly deteriorating situation.
⚠️ADVISORY
In view of the current situation in Iran, all Indian nationals & persons of Indian origin in Iran are requested to remain vigilant, avoid all unnecessary movements, follow the Embassy’s Social Media accounts & observe safety protocols as advised by local authorities.
— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) June 13, 2025
