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In a major escalation, Israel has confirmed a series of pre-emptive strikes against targets around Iran, including in the capital of Tehran, to destroy the rogue nation’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, the catch being, it appears they did it without US support.
In the early hours of 13 June 2025, Israel launched a significant military operation against Iran, targeting numerous nuclear and military installations across the country, bringing the two nations to blows following months of negotiations.
The strikes, which included facilities in Tehran and the Natanz nuclear site, were described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “targeted military operation” aimed at neutralising the threat posed by Iran’s advancing nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
This action followed months of escalating tensions between the two nations. The United States, while not directly involved in the operation, had previously expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and had been engaged in diplomatic efforts to curb them. However, with negotiations stalling and Iran announcing the construction of a new nuclear facility just days prior, Israel deemed immediate action necessary.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has articulated the US position, saying, “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defence.
“President Trump and the administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel,” Secretary Rubio added in his statement.
Meanwhile, reports from CNN are indicating that the entirety of the Iranian General Staff, including the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with former head of the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani who has recently been confirmed as killed in the pre-emptive strikes.
The international community now watches closely as the situation unfolds, with fears of potential retaliation from Iran and further destabilisation in the Middle East, with particular concerns about the global energy market and flow of oil out of the region.
More to come.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
