The longstanding tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated into open conflict, as both nations exchanged direct attacks over the weekend. The dramatic escalation has sparked global alarm and led to the suspension of ongoing nuclear talks.
1 / 7Israel’s Surprise Attack | In the early hours of Friday, June 13, Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, striking key sites in Natanz and Isfahan. Described by Israeli officials as the beginning of a broader effort to dismantle Iran’s nuclear programme, the attacks reportedly killed senior Iranian military figures, including IRGC chief Gen. Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri. (Image: AP)
2 / 7Kermanshah | Satellite images analysed by the Associated Press (AP) show widespread burn marks across the missile base in Kermanshah, located near a mountainside, following the Israeli strike. The damage indicates a significant impact on Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal at the site. (Image: AP)
3 / 7Tabriz | Imagery from Planet Labs PBC taken on Friday, June 13, of the missile base in Tabriz reveals damage at multiple locations within the compound. The extent of destruction suggests a targeted and effective strike by Israeli forces. (Image: AP)
4 / 7Natanz Nuclear Enrichment Facility | At Natanz, several above-ground buildings were damaged or destroyed, including power-supply structures. However, the underground uranium enrichment halls appear untouched. Iran has not officially confirmed the extent of the damage. (Image: AP)
5 / 7Drone Strikes in Iran’s South Pars gas field | According to PTI, an Israeli drone reportedly struck a refinery in Phase 14 of Iran’s South Pars gas field on Saturday, marking what could be Israel’s first attack on Iran’s oil and gas sector. The strike was reported by Iranian media but not confirmed by Israel. The targeted site is part of a shared gas field between Iran and Qatar. (Image: AP)
6 / 7Iran’s Retaliation | In retaliation, Iran fired multiple drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, causing explosions over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv that shook buildings. Israel confirmed three civilian deaths and over 170 injuries. The military reported its first casualties since the initial Israeli strikes, stating that seven soldiers sustained minor injuries from a missile that hit central Israel. (Image: AP)
7 / 7US-Iran talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme cancelled | The sixth round of US-Iran indirect nuclear talks, scheduled for Sunday, has been cancelled, mediator Oman confirmed, amid escalating tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian sites. While the US remains open to dialogue, Iran’s foreign minister called the talks “unjustifiable” after the attacks, blaming Washington for supporting Israel. The US denied involvement in the strikes. . (Image: AP)
