Explosions Reported Across Tehran
Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Thursday night, targeting nuclear and military infrastructure across the country. Explosions rang out across Tehran as Iran suspended all flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport in response. Iran’s state-run news agency confirmed the attacks and reported widespread blasts throughout the capital. Israeli military officials stated the strikes targeted “dozens” of Iranian facilities linked to uranium enrichment and missile development.
Figure 1: The Natanz nuclear facility in Iran
Israel Targets Iranian Nuclear Threat
Middle East war alert🚨 Video, Moments after Israel strikes IRAN’s Capital of Tehran
Israeli Forces: “At the end of the operation there will be no nuclear threat” pic.twitter.com/7FIt8npkWL
— Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) June 13, 2025
An Israeli military spokesperson said Iran possessed enough enriched uranium to build 15 nuclear bombs within days. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation through YouTube, calling the action a “targeted military operation.” He said the operation aimed “to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.” Netanyahu added, “The attacks will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu:
“Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.” pic.twitter.com/3c8oF1GCYa
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 13, 2025
Emergency Measures in Israel
Defence Minister Israel Katz announced school closures for Friday and declared a national state of emergency. “Following the pre-emptive strike by the State of Israel against Iran, a missile and UAV attack is expected,” said Mr Katz. He warned that Israeli civilians could be targeted and stated the country was preparing for retaliation from Tehran.
Figure 2: Defence Minister Israel Katz announces school closure and national state of emergency
United States Distances Itself
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was not involved in the Israeli operation. “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran,” said Mr Rubio. He added, “Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” “Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 13, 2025
US President Warns of Wider Conflict
US President Donald Trump earlier warned of the risk of a “massive conflict” in the region. The warning followed Iran’s announcement of an expansion in its nuclear enrichment program. The escalation came after a UN watchdog reported Iran was breaching international nuclear agreements. Diplomatic talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman between US and Iranian officials now appear stalled. The sixth round of negotiations, mediated by Omani officials, focused on halting Iran’s uranium enrichment.
Global Oil Prices Surge
Following the airstrikes, crude oil prices surged by more than $US3 per barrel. Markets responded immediately to news of the Israeli strikes and fears of regional instability. Traders cited potential threats to energy supply chains and shipping lanes as driving the spike.
Australia Calls for Restraint
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concern minutes after the attacks became public. “This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile,” Senator Wong said in a statement. She urged calm and said, “We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that would further exacerbate tensions.” Wong acknowledged the nuclear threat posed by Iran’s weapons programs. “We all understand … the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program,” she said. “It represents a threat to international peace and security and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.”
A statement from IDF Spokesperson BG Effie Defrin on the preemptive Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear targets pic.twitter.com/IJNT5LXz6o
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 13, 2025
Travel Advisory for Australians
Senator Wong did not confirm whether Australian officials had been evacuated from Iran. She said the government would “always take the appropriate action” to protect its staff overseas. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged Australians to check the Smartraveller website for updates. The Australian government currently advises, “Do Not Travel” to Iran due to safety concerns.
🚨 #BREAKING: Israel targeted Iran’s nuclear sites in their strikes tonight, per AP
Many areas around Tehran were struck, and are now ablaze.
This is just getting started. pic.twitter.com/1oOSfcLxq8
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 13, 2025
Israel Confirms Military Action
Israel confirmed the military campaign late Thursday through its defence ministry and official media channels. Media outlets including CNN and The New York Times reported the Israeli Defence Minister described the strikes as pre-emptive. The operation follows days of increasing tension over Iran’s uranium enrichment and ballistic missile capability.
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Ongoing Regional Fallout
The situation continues to develop with both Israel and Iran bracing for further escalation. International observers have expressed concern that the conflict may spill into neighbouring regions. Diplomatic sources indicated that backchannel communications remain open but limited in progress. Defence analysts warned the conflict could disrupt maritime routes and destabilise oil supply networks.
Conclusion
Israel’s decision to launch strikes against Iran marks a significant escalation in Middle East tensions. With both nations on high alert and international leaders calling for calm, the situation remains volatile. Regional powers and global stakeholders continue to monitor developments as fears of retaliation grow.
