Islamabad, June 13,2025:In a sharp escalation of Middle East tensions, Israel launched a series of precision airstrikes on Iran, reportedly killing key figures in Iran’s military and nuclear command. The U.S., however, has firmly distanced itself from the operation.
U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio issued a statement Friday asserting that the United States was not involved in Israel’s attacks on Iran and issued a strong warning to Tehran: “Let me be clear — Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel. Our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.”
The Israeli military operation, which began early Friday morning, allegedly targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and military command centers. Israel claims the strikes are part of a long-term strategy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
According to Israeli defense sources, the action was undertaken unilaterally, though U.S. officials were informed in advance. “Israel advised us that they believed this action was necessary for its self-defense,” Rubio confirmed.
Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, was confirmed killed in the airstrikes, according to Iranian media outlet Mehr News Agency. In response, Ameer Habibullah has been named as his successor.
In a further blow to Iran’s military leadership, Tasnim News Agency reports that Major General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also perished in a separate strike in Tehran. Salami, regarded as one of the masterminds behind Iran’s regional military policies, was reportedly at a top military facility during the attack.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have yet to comment officially, but insiders indicate that this may mark the beginning of an extended military campaign aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
With global attention now fixed on the aftermath, tensions between Israel and Iran have reached a new and potentially volatile peak, with the U.S. urging restraint on all sides.
Read More: Israel Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Sites and Missile Factories
