By Independent News Roundup
Israel announced a “preemptive” strike in Iran on Friday and declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliation.
A number of loud explosions were reported in Tehran, along with missile interceptions.
The IDF said it targeted both military and nuclear sites. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz was among the targets.
News organizations reported last month that Israel had discussed potential strikes on Iranian nuclear sites with the US.
The attack comes after five rounds of US-Iranian talks on Iran’s nuclear program failed to produce a breakthrough. The sixth round of negotiations is scheduled for Sunday in Oman.
13 June 2025
05:58 GMTBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for de-escalation following Israeli strikes on Iran, urging “all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently.”
“Escalation serves no one in the region,” Starmer said, adding that the UK is working with partners to promote stability. “Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”
The Israeli military said it killed Iran’s three most senior military commanders in overnight airstrikes.
The army identified the officials as Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the armed forces; Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; and Major-General Gholam Ali Rashid, head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.
India has asked Iran and Israel to “avoid any escalatory steps.”
In a statement on Friday, the Indian Foreign Ministry said, “Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilized to work towards a deescalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues.”
“India, which enjoys close and friendly relations with both the countries” is “ready to extend all possible support,” it added.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran, calling them a clear violation of international laws and norms.
In a statement, the ministry said the attacks were “heinous” and urged the international community and the UN Security Council to take immediate action to halt the aggression.
Oman, which has been mediating nuclear talks between the US and Iran in recent months, condemned Israel’s strikes as a “dangerous and reckless escalation” and a violation of international law.
In a statement, Muscat said the attack “represents unacceptable and ongoing aggressive behaviour that undermines the foundations of stability in the region,” adding that “Israel is responsible for this escalation and its consequences.”
The escalation casts doubt over planned talks in Oman this weekend between Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and an Iranian delegation, as Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused Washington of complicity in the strikes.
The US was aware of an imminent Israeli strike on Iran, President Donald Trump has told Fox News, adding that Washington hopes Tehran will return to negotiations over the nuclear deal.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see,” he said, adding that “There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back.”
The Iranian Army has said it will not tolerate Israeli “aggression,” warning that “a bitter lesson awaits [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu. “Avoid approaching military bases; and wait for the moment when the Leader will assign a collective duty to the nation. At this very moment, the combat forces of the Army and the IRGC are engaged in battle in the skies,” it said in a statement.
At least five people have been killed and 20 injured in Tehran following an Israeli strike, according to Press TV.
Jordan has closed its airspace “in anticipation of any dangers resulting from the escalation happening in the region.”
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said Iranian authorities have informed the agency that the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant was not targeted in the recent attacks, and that no increase in radiation levels has been detected at the Natanz site.
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