Israel Launches Airstrikes in Iran
June 12, 2025 – Middle East Region
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israeli forces have reportedly launched airstrikes against in what they claim are key military and nuclear-related targets inside Iran. The strikes, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning local time, targeted facilities, according to Israel, to be associated with Iran’s ballistic missile development and nuclear infrastructure.
Israeli officials have long maintained that military action would remain on the table to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
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. —— Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
Israel conducted intense military operations claiming it is targeting the core of Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure on Friday, utilizing warplanes and drones that had been clandestinely introduced into the country to strike critical facilities and eliminate senior generals and scientists.
According to Israeli officials, the recent strike on Iran was framed as a necessary preemptive action to neutralize an imminent nuclear threat. However, Israel has sounded the alarm over Iran’s nuclear ambitions for decades, suggesting that this move may be rooted as much in long-standing strategic anxiety as in current intelligence. As regional tensions escalate, the timing and narrative surrounding Iran’s nuclear program invite skepticism about the underlying motives behind such assertions.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously expressed broader ambitions, reportedly advocating for action not only against Iran but also against Pakistan—arguing that the latter, too, should not possess nuclear weapons due to perceived threats to Western geopolitical dominance. It is important to note that Pakistan is a well-established nuclear power, estimated to possess around 170 nuclear warheads, with projections suggesting that number could rise to 200 by 2025.
The regional dynamics add an additional layer of volatility. Pakistan shares a tense and often hostile relationship with neighboring India, another nuclear-armed nation. The frequent skirmishes and deep-rooted political conflicts between the two countries heighten the risk of a broader escalation.
Any military action by Israel against Pakistan could trigger a catastrophic chain reaction, potentially drawing in multiple nuclear-armed states and igniting a global nuclear conflict.
China says it strongly condemns the attack on Iran and stated that Israel crossed a ‘red line’ by striking Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Chinese government emphasized that such aggressive actions represent a serious violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Furthermore, a representative from China highlighted the importance of respecting international law and maintaining regional stability, asserting that any military intervention could have devastating consequences not only for Iran but for the entire region. They also pointed out that the attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran heighten tensions and could lead to an escalation of conflict, urging all parties involved to pursue diplomatic solutions and dialogue instead.
Initial reports from Tehran said to have confirmed multiple explosions in the cities of Isfahan and Natanz. Iran’s air defenses were activated, with footage shared on state media showing anti-aircraft fire lighting up the night sky.
Iranian officials condemned the attack, calling it a “blatant act of aggression” and warning of “severe consequences.” The Supreme National Security Council of Iran has convened an emergency session.
t.