International News Digest: June 13, 2025

Today, June 13, 2025, the world is witnessing a dramatic escalation in the Middle East, major humanitarian and political developments, and significant economic ripples across global markets. Below is a comprehensive, detailed synthesis of the day’s most important, interesting, and consequential international news, based on the latest verified reporting.

1. Middle East: Israel Launches Major Strikes on Iran, Regional Tensions Soar

Israel Strikes Iran’s Nuclear and Military Facilities

In the early hours of Friday, Israel launched a sweeping series of airstrikes against Iran, targeting its nuclear installations, missile manufacturing sites, and high-ranking military leaders. The operation, dubbed “Rising Lion,” was described by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “decisive moment in Israel’s history,” and is intended to “eliminate the danger” posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and military buildup1 2.

Key Israeli targets included the Natanz uranium enrichment facility—central to Iran’s nuclear program—as well as missile production complexes and Revolutionary Guards headquarters in Tehran. Iranian state media and eyewitnesses reported powerful explosions at Natanz, significant damage to the Guards’ command center, and casualties in residential areas. Among the dead was Hossein Salami, chief of the elite Revolutionary Guards, as well as two senior nuclear officials. Strikes in Tehran also led to the deaths of several children in a residential neighborhood132.

Iran Vows Retaliation, Declares National Mourning

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei condemned the attacks as a “wicked and bloody” act, warning Israel of a “bitter fate.” Iran’s armed forces spokesperson threatened “heavy” retaliation against both Israel and the United States, accusing Washington of facilitating the operation—even as the U.S. denied direct involvement13.

Israel Braces for Retaliation, Declares State of Emergency

Israel closed its airspace, including Ben Gurion International Airport, and placed its air defense systems on the highest alert, anticipating imminent missile and drone attacks from Iran. Tens of thousands of Israeli troops were mobilized, with military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stating, “We are engaged in a historic campaign… to avert an existential threat from an enemy determined to annihilate us.” Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that missile and drone attacks on Israeli civilians could occur at any moment1 2.

US Response: Distance, Caution, and Contingency Plans

The United States clarified that it had not participated in the strikes, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating the operation was “unilateral” and that “Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.” President Trump, however, acknowledged that Israel “struck Iran very well” and called for a peaceful resolution, while convening a National Security Council meeting to prepare for regional contingencies, including the possible evacuation of American citizens from the Middle East13.

Global Markets React: Oil Surges, Stocks Fall

The attacks sent shockwaves through global markets. Oil prices soared and stock values tumbled in Asian trading, with investors seeking safe havens such as gold and the Swiss franc. The prospect of a broader conflict in the oil-rich Middle East has heightened fears of supply disruptions and economic instability1.

China, Saudi Arabia, and Global Reaction

China expressed “deep concern” over the escalation, called for respect for Iran’s sovereignty, and urged all parties to avoid further conflict. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are closely monitoring the situation, wary of being drawn into a wider regional war4.

2. Iran’s Retaliation and Regional Fallout

Iran Launches Drones Toward Israel

Following the Israeli strikes, Iran reportedly launched over 100 drones toward Israel, targeting military and civilian sites. Israeli air defenses were activated, and the country braced for further escalation. Iranian state media confirmed the death of Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Armed Forces chief, in the Israeli attack, and vowed that “the response will be unprecedented in scale”3.

Mossad Sabotage Operations Inside Iran

In addition to airstrikes, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency reportedly orchestrated covert sabotage missions targeting Iran’s missile facilities and air defense systems, aiming to degrade Tehran’s ability to retaliate and to delay its nuclear program1.

3. Humanitarian and Political Developments Elsewhere

Gaza: UN Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting the international community’s concern over the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. China reiterated its call for a two-state solution and urged all sides to implement UN resolutions and prevent further suffering4.

South Africa: Flood Disaster

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-stricken areas in the southeast, where at least 78 people have died. The flooding has destroyed homes, displaced thousands, and prompted urgent appeals for international aid2.

Greece: Earthquakes Damage Monasteries

A series of earthquakes in northern Greece damaged centuries-old monasteries in a secluded religious community, raising concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage amid increasing seismic activity2.

4. Other Major International Headlines

India: Air India Crash Kills Over 290

A devastating Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad killed more than 290 people, including a Canadian dentist and several international passengers. The sole survivor described “miraculous” escape amid chaos and destruction. Aviation experts are investigating the cause, with early reports suggesting a technical malfunction5 2.

North Korea: Claims Naval Success

North Korea announced it has repaired and relaunched a damaged destroyer in the presence of leader Kim Jong Un, though outside observers remain skeptical of the regime’s claims2.

Mexico: Priest Arrested on Rape Charges

Mexican authorities arrested a Roman Catholic priest at Mexico City’s airport on charges of raping a minor over several years, highlighting ongoing efforts to address abuse within the church2.

Dominican Republic: Nightclub Owner Arrested After Deadly Collapse

Police arrested the owner of a Dominican nightclub whose roof collapsed in April, killing 236 people, as investigations into safety violations continue2.

5. Economic and Social Ripples

Business Impact: Boeing Stock Plummets

Boeing’s stock plunged following the Air India crash, as investors worried about the safety of the 787 Dreamliner and the potential for regulatory fallout5.

Men’s Health Month and National Blood Donor Week

June marks Men’s Health Month and National Blood Donor Week in several countries, with campaigns urging men to prioritize health screenings and citizens to donate blood amid ongoing shortages5.

6. Looking Ahead: Global Uncertainty and Calls for Restraint

The world’s attention is now fixed on the Middle East, where the risk of a broader war involving Israel, Iran, and possibly the United States has never been higher since the last major regional conflict. The United Nations, China, and other major powers are calling for restraint, dialogue, and a return to diplomacy to prevent a catastrophic escalation1 4 2.

Conclusion

June 13, 2025, will be remembered as a day of historic escalation in the Middle East, with Israel’s sweeping strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure triggering fears of a wider regional war. The fallout is being felt worldwide—from surging oil prices and plunging stock markets to urgent diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis. Humanitarian emergencies in Gaza and South Africa, as well as disasters and tragedies elsewhere, underscore the fragility of the current global order.

As leaders weigh their next moves, the world stands at a crossroads—hoping that diplomacy, not devastation, will shape the days to come.

This digest is based on the most up-to-date and authoritative reporting as of June 13, 2025, synthesizing developments from multiple continents and sectors to provide a comprehensive view of the world’s most pressing events.