Tensions Escalate: Israel Strikes Iranian Nuclear Sites, Prompting Retaliatory Missiles
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israeli forces launched airstrikes targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities overnight, striking sites in Arak, Natanz, and Khondab. The attacks also extended to Tehran’s security headquarters and various military locations, resulting in widespread internet blackouts across Iran as authorities scrambled to manage the fallout.
Reports from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) indicate a swift response to the assault, with the firing of Sijil missiles aimed at Israeli positions. The IRGC vowed to "teach Israel a lesson," characterizing their counterstrike as a "hybrid strong retaliation." Tensions have reached a boiling point following these exchanges, heightening fears of a broader conflict.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation has been vocal about the severity of the situation, warning of potential nuclear contamination following strikes on a research reactor. The agency condemned the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its perceived inaction amidst rising threats.
Conflicting accounts are surfacing regarding the strikes, with Iranian sources claiming civilian casualties in areas such as Kermanshah and Tehran, where bombings disrupted hospitals and state media offices. Witnesses reported explosions and air defense activation that shook the capital, with plumes of smoke rising ominously over residential neighborhoods.
While Israel maintains that its operations were focused solely on military objectives, Iranian officials have accused the nation of engaging in what they describe as a "systematic war" against civilian infrastructure. These contrasting narratives highlight the complexity of the situation, where the lines between military and civilian targets seem increasingly blurred.
Diplomatic avenues for resolution appear stalled, with Iran confirming that no envoys were sent to Oman for potential negotiations in the wake of these escalating tensions. As the situation unfolds, international observers will be closely monitoring developments, concerned about the potential for a wider regional conflict.
To gain deeper insight into the ongoing crisis, Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi reports live from Tehran, providing on-the-ground perspectives amid this significant military escalation. The world watches as both nations brace for the aftermath of this tumultuous night, fearing the potential consequences that may follow.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “Israel bombs Iran’s nuclear sites overnight; Tehran warns of fallout, fires missiles in retaliation” was uploaded on 06/19/2025 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English