Israel has launched a ‘preemptive strike’ on Iran, said Israeli defence minister early Friday (Jun 13). Tehran has vowed a ‘strong response’ after attacks on its nuclear facilities. A state of emergency has been declared in Israel following the military action.
“Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Israel Katz said.
This comes hours after US President Donald Trump called on Israel not to strike Iran’s nuclear sites, saying they are “fairly close” to reaching a deal if Tehran compromises.
Iranian state media has confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami in the Israeli strikes.
'Struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme'
Shortly after the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme.”
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“We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear weaponisation programme. We targeted Iran's main enrichment facility in Natanz. We targeted Iran's leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb. We also struck at the heart of Iran's ballistic missile programme,” he added.
“This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat,” the Israeli prime minister said.
Iran vows ‘strong response’
Iran vowed a "strong response" following multiple strikes across the country.
"The armed forces will certainly respond to this Zionist attack," said Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the general staff of the armed forces, adding that Israel "will pay a heavy price and should await strong response from the Iranian armed forces."
Iran's state media reports civilians killed
Iranian state media said that Israel struck residential buildings in Tehran. “A number of people including women and children were martyred in a residential complex in Tehran,” IRNA news agency reported.
Iran's state TV earlier reported loud explosions heard in the capital. “Loud explosions being heard in different locations of the capital Tehran,” it said.
Israel's airspace to remain closed
Israel's transport ministry announced that the country's airspace will remain closed.
“Air space is closed to takeoff and landing until further notice,” the ministry said in a statement.

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