Israel launched a massive aerial campaign targeting Iranian nuclear sites and top military leaders, triggering retaliatory missile strikes from Tehran.
At a Glance
- Israel launched over 200 fighter jets in coordinated strikes on Iranian targets under “Operation Rising Lion”
- Multiple senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists were reportedly killed
- Iranian retaliation involved more than 100 drones and dozens of ballistic missiles
- The UN and NATO called for de-escalation, while the U.S. denied involvement
- The fate of key Iranian military figures remains uncertain amid rumors of death or defection
Coordinated Strikes Target Command and Capability
In the early hours of June 13, Israel launched what officials are calling its most extensive operation against Iran to date. Dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” the strike involved around 200 aircraft targeting over 100 strategic locations across Iran. Israeli sources said the goal was to dismantle key nodes in Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
Among the dead are reported to be IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, IRGC aerospace chief Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and top nuclear scientist Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani. Iran quickly named Gen. Ahmad Vahidi as Salami’s successor, according to Iranian state media.
Aerial Assault Met with Fierce Retaliation
Iran responded by launching over 100 drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel. While the Iron Dome intercepted many, some missiles struck civilian and military sites near Tel Aviv. The exact casualty count remains unknown, but emergency services have confirmed multiple injuries and infrastructure damage.
Watch a report: Israel-Iran conflict escalates with retaliatory strikes.
Israel described the operation as “surgical,” claiming to have used deceptive tactics to isolate high-value targets before eliminating them. One official said they aimed to “keep them there” before initiating strikes.
Fallout and the Global Response
International reaction has been swift. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged restraint, stating that “unilateral action risks spiraling escalation”. The United States has publicly distanced itself from the attack, with President Trump warning Iran not to target U.S. assets in response.
The fate of other high-ranking officials such as IRGC Quds Force leader Esmail Qaani remains unknown, fueling speculation that more high-level casualties may emerge. Former IRGC commander Ali Shamkhani is believed to have been either killed or critically wounded.
As the region braces for further escalation, both Israel and Iran have hardened their stances. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued strikes “until the threat is eliminated,” while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei pledged “fierce and righteous” retaliation.
The world now watches anxiously as two of the Middle East’s most formidable powers teeter on the edge of sustained conflict—one that could redefine regional security for years to come.
