Israel Strikes Iran’s Nuclear Facility: Middle East Tensions Reach Boiling Point

Middle East on Edge as Israel Launches Preemptive Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facility  Jerusalem/Tehran | June 2025

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel has launched a preemptive strike on Iran, targeting key nuclear and military infrastructure, prompting fears of immediate retaliation and regional instability. The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency, as Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of imminent missile and drone retaliation from Tehran.

According to Iranian state media, explosions were heard across Tehran early Friday morning. Iran’s air defence systems were reportedly operating at full capacity, responding to the unexpected strikes.

This high-stakes military action comes shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump warned of a potential “massive conflict” in the region. While denying any direct U.S. involvement in the strike, Trump expressed concerns that the offensive could derail ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. “I don’t want them going in,” he said, “because I think it would blow it… might help it actually, but it also could blow it.”

Oil markets reacted sharply, with prices surging over 6%, reflecting fears of a wider conflict that could disrupt global supply chains.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified since the October 2023 Hamas attack, after which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed more aggressive responses to threats from Tehran and its allies. Meanwhile, Iran is moving to expand its uranium enrichment capacity, following condemnation from the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, over non-compliance.

With both sides entrenched and global powers watching closely, the situation underscores the fragile balance in the Middle East — one that now hangs by a thread.