Israel launches strike on Iran's nuclear & military sites

Israel has launched a series of strikes on Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said was to roll back the "Iranian threat to Israel's very survival".

Calling the offensive "Rising Lion", Netanyahu said on Friday (Jun. 13) that the attack struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme, nuclear weaponisation programme, and Iran's ballistic missile programme.

He also said the operation "will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat".

Expecting a counter-attack

An Israeli military official confirmed with BBC that it has launched multiple strikes against Iran's nuclear programme and other military targets.

The same official was quoted to have said that Iran had enough nuclear material to create nuclear bombs within days.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has declared an emergency situation across the country and is expecting a counter-attack, The Times of Israel reported.

“Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Katz said, as quoted by The Times of Israel.

"Israel took unilateral action against Iran"

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that "Israel took unilateral action against Iran" because it "believe[s] this action was necessary for its self-defence".

He also said that Washington is "not involved in strikes against Iran" and its top priority is "protecting American forces in the region".

"Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel," Rubio said.

"I don't want them going in"

CNN reported that the attack was an outcome U.S. President Donald Trump had hoped to avoid.

"I don't want them going in because, I mean, that would blow it," Trump was quoted to have said by CNN, referring to his diplomatic efforts to curb Iran's nuclear operations.

Crude oil prices have surged after Israel launched its offensive.

Global benchmark Brent surged 10.28 per cent to US$76.48 (S$98.03) per barrel, as reported by CNBC. 

Top image via AFP