Explosions heard across Tehran as Israel strikes Iran

Early on Friday, June 13, 2025, Israel confirmed it had launched strikes on Iran, targeting what it described as numerous nuclear and military sites.

Iranian state media reported hearing multiple explosions in Tehran, as the country’s air defences were fully activated amid escalating tensions tied to U.S.-led efforts to convince Iran to stop producing material for an atomic bomb.

An Israeli military source stated the operation was hitting "dozens" of key facilities and claimed Iran could produce up to 15 nuclear bombs within days. In response to possible retaliation from Iran, Israel has declared a state of emergency, bracing for potential missile and drone attacks, The Hindu reported.

Two U.S. officials confirmed that the United States was not involved in the Israeli operation. American news outlets reported that President Donald Trump had called a cabinet meeting following the developments.

A day earlier, on Thursday, Trump had said an Israeli attack on Iran “could very well happen,” though he continued to express hope for a peaceful outcome.

Israel’s military chief acknowledged on Friday that the strikes on Iran may not achieve “absolute success” and cautioned that retaliation from Tehran was likely, urging Israeli citizens to prepare for possible responses from the Islamic Republic.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a warning to Iran late Thursday, emphasizing that the United States had no part in the Israeli offensive.

He stressed that Washington’s main concern was the safety of American personnel in the region and made it clear that any attacks on U.S. assets or troops would be unacceptable, AFP reported.

In the lead-up to the strikes, Iran and the United States had reportedly agreed to resume nuclear talks, with a sixth round of negotiations scheduled for Sunday, June 15, in Oman, according to the sultanate’s foreign minister.