Israel Conducts Widespread Strikes on Iranian Nuclear, Missile Sites

Israel launched a large-scale preemptive strike against Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and senior military figures to neutralize what it described as an existential threat. President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of the operation to defend Israel from Iran's nuclear ambitions and threats of annihilation. The strikes reportedly killed Iran's military chief of staff, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, among other key officials, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard vowed decisive retaliation. Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, affirmed the independence of Israel's decision to strike, despite coordination with the U.S., which denied involvement but warned Iran against targeting American personnel. The attack has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with oil prices surging and heightened alerts in Israel. Meanwhile, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton highlighted the urgency of Israel's existential decision regarding Iran's nuclear program, noting ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations are unlikely to yield progress and warning of the potential for massive conflict if Iran obtains nuclear weapons.