Iranian nuclear scientists and military chief have been martyred in Israeli attacks, the international media report
TEHRAN: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-June 13rd, 2025) Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has announced that Israel has carried out airstrikes against Iran, targeting dozens of Iran’s nuclear program sites and other military facilities.
The American and Israeli media reported that the loud explosions have been heard in various areas, including the capital, Tehran.
Iranian Nuclear scientists killed in Israeli attack
British media, citing Iranian state television, reported that two senior nuclear scientists were killed in the Israeli airstrikes, and their identities have been confirmed.
Among the dead is Dr. Fereydoon Abbasi, a former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization (AEOI), which is responsible for Iran’s nuclear installations.
It is worth noting that Fereydoon Abbasi had survived an assassination attempt on a Tehran street in 2010.
The second scientist is Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, who was serving as the president of Islamic Azad University in Tehran.
US declares non-involvement in war
Following the Israeli airstrikes on Iran, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a key statement, saying that the United States was not involved in these attacks and that its top priority is the safety of US forces stationed in the region.
He further stated that Israel acted unilaterally against Iran, and the US was not a part of the operation. "Our top priority is the protection of US forces deployed in the middle East," he said.
Media reports indicated that the Israeli Air Force targeted residential areas of Iran’s senior political and military leadership.
Israel declares state of emergency
The Israeli Defense Minister has declared a state of emergency in the country, anticipating a potential retaliatory attack from Iran. A security alert has been issued.
In Jerusalem, citizens were awakened by sirens, followed by alert messages on mobile phones warning of danger.
According to US tv media reports, President Trump has called an emergency cabinet meeting in response to the situation.
Iran’s Army Chief Major General Mohammad Bagheri also martyred
Foreign media, citing Iranian state television, report that the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran was targeted in the Israeli airstrikes.
According to the reports, Iran's Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri and Commander Hossein Salami were also targeted. Israeli officials claim that multiple senior nuclear scientists were killed in the strikes.
IRGC Commander Hossein Salami reportedly martyred
Foreign media reports suggest that IRGC commander Major General Hossein Salami was also killed in the Israeli airstrikes.
If confirmed, Salami would be among the most senior Iranian military leaders killed in the recent attacks.
Salami joined the IRGC at the start of the Iran-Iraq war in 1980. Over time, he rose through the military ranks and was known for his harsh rhetoric against the U.S. and its allies.
Global reactions
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep concern during an emergency press conference.
She said the rising tensions between Israel and Iran are extremely concerning and could further destabilize an already fragile region.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reacts to Israeli strikes
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei responded to the Zionist airstrikes by saying that Israel has laid the foundation for its own bitter and painful fate.
In his address to the nation this morning, Khamenei strongly condemned the Israeli attacks that targeted Tehran and other Iranian cities.
Israeli security officials hint at more attacks
The Israeli attack on Iran has been named "Operation Rising Line" by the Israeli military. Officials stated that the first phase of the attack has ended, and more powerful and dangerous strikes are expected. The military warned that these attacks could continue for another two weeks.
Israeli PM Nethanyahu Names it 'Operation Rising Line'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the ongoing air operation against Iran, stating that Israel has launched Operation Rising Line, aimed at neutralizing the threat posed by Iran.
“Moments ago, Israel began Operation Rising Line, a specific military operation aimed at pushing back the threat from Iran which has become existential for Israel. The operation will continue until this threat is fully eliminated,” Netanyahu said.
He emphasized that it must be ensured Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.
He added that in recent months, Iran has taken unprecedented steps, and if left unchecked, it could develop nuclear weapons in less than a year.
Netanyahu addressed the global community, stating that Iran's nuclear program poses a grave threat not only to Israel but also to regional and global peace.
Israeli officials have stated that the airstrikes are concentrated on Iran’s nuclear program and military installations.
According to a senior Israeli military official, the targets included Iran’s nuclear program, long-range missiles and other key military infrastructure. The Israeli Air Force has targeted dozens of sites across the country.
Nationwide emergency measures enforced in Israel
According to a statement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), from 3:00 AM (local time), new Home Front Command guidelines have come into effect, limiting civilian activity across the country.
The Israeli government suspended all educational activities, banned public gatherings and ordered the closure of non-essential offices. Only critical and essential services would continue.
Around 3:00am in Jerusalem, sirens and mobile phone alerts warned citizens of the threat which led to widespread fear and panic.
