Iran Declares Israel’s Strikes a ‘Declaration of War,’ Vows Severe Retaliation

By Emmanuel Kwada

Iran has labeled Israel’s recent airstrikes on its nuclear facilities and military targets as a “declaration of war,” escalating tensions in the Middle East and raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

The strikes, which occurred early Friday, targeted Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility, ballistic missile factories, and several high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists, prompting a fierce response from Iranian leadership.

In a letter to the United Nations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the Israeli operation, dubbed “Rising Lion” by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as “tantamount to a declaration of war.”

He called on the UN Security Council to “immediately and unequivocally condemn this attack and take action,” warning that Israel would “deeply regret this reckless aggression.” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei echoed this sentiment, vowing “severe punishment” for Israel, while the country’s armed forces spokesperson claimed both Israel and its ally, the United States, would “pay dearly” for the assault.

Moments ago, Israel launched Operation “Rising Lion”, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.

This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.

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Statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: pic.twitter.com/XgUTy90g1S

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 13, 2025

According to Iranian state media, the strikes resulted in significant casualties, including senior military figures like Revolutionary Guard chief Hossein Salami, six nuclear scientists, and civilians, though these reports remain unverified by independent sources.

Iran’s military reported launching approximately 100 drones toward Israel in retaliation, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said were largely intercepted.

Israeli officials defended the operation, with Netanyahu stating it was a “targeted military effort to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s survival.” He claimed Iran had accelerated its nuclear weapons program following the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in September 2024, necessitating immediate action.

Immediately and unequivocally condemn this attack and take action,” warning that Israel would “deeply regret this reckless aggression

The IDF also revealed that Israel’s Mossad agency had smuggled weapons into Iran to target defenses from within, including drones and precision weapons positioned near key military sites.

The United States, while denying direct involvement, confirmed it was informed of Israel’s plans in advance. President Donald Trump, speaking to Fox News, expressed support for Israel’s actions, stating, “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb,” but urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table to avoid further escalation. Trump warned of “even more brutal” attacks if Iran failed to make a deal, though he emphasized the U.S. did not participate in the strikes.

Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb

International reactions have been swift, with many calling for de-escalation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urged both sides to exercise restraint, while Egypt and Jordan condemned Israel’s actions as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, stressed that nuclear facilities “must never be attacked” due to the grave risks to regional and global security. An emergency UN Security Council meeting is scheduled for 7 PM GMT on Friday to address the crisis.