Israeli strikes centered Iran's nuclear programme: Netanyahu

Israel launched a major strike on Iran early Friday (June 13), targeting key nuclear, missile, and military sites, reportedly killing two top Iranian commanders, reports CNN.

General Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the country’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and one of Iran’s most powerful figures, was among those killed in the attacks, the IRGC confirmed. Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces and the country’s highest ranking military officer, was also killed, according to Iran’s state TV IRINN.

In a televised address to the nation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military operation had “struck at the head of Iran’s nuclear weaponization programme” and targets included Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz, Iranian nuclear scientists, and Iran’s ballistic missiles program.

“Moments ago, Israel launched operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival,” Netanyahu said in a televised address.

“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that Israel will face “severe punishment” for the attacks. Iran’s Armed Forces spokesperson said both the US and Israel would “pay dearly.”

A sixth round of nuclear talks between the US and Iran had been scheduled for Sunday, and US officials had previously said that Israeli strikes on Iran would be a brazen break with President Donald Trump’s approach on the Middle East.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said, “This was a preemptive strike,” through which an attempt was made to counter the Iranian threat.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s government has declared a “state of emergency” across Israel after the attack. Security forces have been placed on high alert and are preparing for a possible counterattack.