In a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that Israel had conducted a targeted strike on Iran’s nuclear program. The attack specifically targeted the Natanz facility, which is considered the heart of Iran’s nuclear program, as well as nuclear scientists involved in Iran’s weapons development.
This attack marks one of the most substantial actions taken against Iran by Israel since the 1980s war with Iraq. The strike reportedly hit multiple sites and resulted in the death of the head of the Revolutionary Guards. Netanyahu referred to the operation as “Operation Rising Lion” in a video statement.
According to Reuters, the strike also targeted Iran’s missile factories, further escalating tensions between the two nations. The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu described the surprise opening strike as “very successful.” The Wall Street Journal added that Hossein Salami, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in the attack.
In response to the attack, a top U.S. official warned of potential mass casualty retaliation by Iran, as reported by Axios. This development raises concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region and the impact it may have on global security.
Social media reactions to the news varied, with some expressing support for Israel’s actions while others voiced concerns about the consequences of escalating conflict in the region. The news generated discussions on platforms like Mastodon, with users sharing and resharing updates on the situation.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains crucial for international stakeholders to closely monitor developments in the region and work towards de-escalation to prevent further conflict.
References:
1. Fox News – https://www.foxnews.com/world/israel-hits-heart-irans-nuclear-program-natanz-facility-strike
2. The Christian Science Monitor – https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2025/0612/iran-israel-attack?icid=rss
3. BBC News – https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cz70x722zvyo
4. Reuters – https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipgFBVV95cUxOLTlzeFR3MGZ6Q3I0bU5iSXdpTmM1ZkIyVHI1R3BxekdkTlVNNmFpRTR1aXVsdW5tektyVXE4Q3NkNmQxVWs2MDFIOVJYRDA3QktqNkR2NzRNQTZaU0pTX3ZjaGFldXVhZW1PbGNPck1IS0duVXcxaHd4MzRXYnVfQVZUR2I2U0c5UmtNd2lQWmxDOENvZ3BVMDk0VzZsaUl3MGFreHZ3
5. The Wall Street Journal – included in Reuters article
6. Axios – included in Reuters article
Political Bias Index: Neutral (Green)
