Israel Launches Military Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities; IAEA, Trump Urge Resolution

Lead

On June 13, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a large-scale military operation targeting nuclear facilities and military leadership in Iran. According to a post on X by the IDF, Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets struck Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility, damaging underground infrastructure critical to uranium processing and nuclear weapons development.

Details of the Military Operation

The Israeli military stated that the Natanz site “houses the infrastructure required for enriching uranium to military-grade levels” and that the strike targeted its multi-story enrichment hall, electrical rooms, and other critical support systems. The IDF declared the mission aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities.

⭕️ IAF fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence, struck the Iranian regime’s uranium enrichment site in the Natanz area overnight… pic.twitter.com/7PbF1Rls7M

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 13, 2025

Separately, another wave of strikes targeted a concealed underground command center of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to a second IDF post on X, the attack resulted in the deaths of IRGC Air Force Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, UAV Force Commander Taher-pour, and Aerial Command Commander Davoud Shaykhian.

President Trump’s Reaction

President Donald Trump, responding to the events, issued a blunt statement on Truth Social, declaring that Iran had failed to take repeated opportunities to negotiate a deal. Trump said:

I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal… Certain Iranian hardliner’s spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse… Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.

In a follow-up post, Trump added that two months ago he had given Iran a 60-day ultimatum to strike a deal, saying: “Today is day 61. I told them what to do, but they just couldn’t get there.”

IAEA Response and Safety Status

Following the strike, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that the Natanz site was impacted, but that no elevated radiation levels were reported. In a formal statement, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed grave concern and reiterated that “nuclear facilities must never be attacked.” He confirmed that the Esfahan and Fordow facilities had not been affected at this time.

IAEA Director General @RafaelMGrossi addressed the Board of Governors this morning regarding the situation in Iran. pic.twitter.com/a2yI4ytzyB

— IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 13, 2025

Grossi emphasized that “armed attacks on nuclear facilities could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences” and called on all parties to avoid further escalation. He offered the IAEA’s assistance and said the agency stands ready to deploy experts and continue technical monitoring in the region.

Outlook

The military strikes mark a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran. Analysts warn of potential retaliation by Iran or proxy groups in the region. The IAEA has reiterated that diplomacy remains the only viable path to address nuclear concerns and prevent wider conflict.

Director General Grossi concluded his statement with a strong appeal for dialogue: “Despite the current military actions and heightened tensions, it is clear that the only sustainable path forward—for Iran, for Israel, the entire region, and the international community—is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy.”