Israel begins large-scale strikes against Iran

Israel began large-scale strikes across Iran before dawn on 13 June 2025, attacking nuclear facilities, missile sites, air defences and senior personnel. Israeli leaders said the operation sought to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and reduce its capacity to attack Israel.

The strikes killed senior Revolutionary Guard commanders, military leaders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Iran retaliated with ballistic missiles and drones against Israel. Each side's target and casualty claims require corroboration, and military status does not answer proportionality or precautions for surrounding civilians.

International nuclear inspectors had reported safeguards concerns and growing enriched-uranium stocks, but Iran said its programme was peaceful and remained a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. A risk assessment must remain distinct from proof that a weapon decision had been made or that preventive force was lawful.

Israel invoked self-defence and an imminent existential threat; critics challenged the necessity and UN Charter basis. Legal evaluation depends on evidence about threat timing and alternatives, not only strategic fear or later battlefield success.

This item records the opening Israeli attack, separate from Iran's responses, US strikes and the 24 June ceasefire. It does not merge a twelve-day conflict into one event or treat civilians as responsible for their government's nuclear and military policies.

Iran's airspace and communications were disrupted as residents sought safety and authorities imposed security restrictions. Those civilian effects do not determine military necessity, but they belong in assessing the operation's real reach beyond damaged installations.