SRINAGAR: Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel on the evening of June 13, 2025, in a major escalation following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets earlier that day. The Iranian operation, codenamed “Operation True Promise III,” was described by Tehran as the “beginning” of its “devastating retaliation” after Israel targeted key sites and killed several top commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, sending residents to shelters as explosions were reported in both cities. At least one missile struck central Tel Aviv, causing property damage but no immediate reports of casualties. The Israeli military said that many of the incoming missiles were intercepted by air defense systems, with assistance from U.S. forces, and that rescue teams were deployed to impacted areas.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared that Israel’s actions had “started a war” and vowed that Iran’s response would be decisive, promising further consequences for what he called a “hit and run” tactic by Israel. The Israeli government, meanwhile, convened emergency meetings with security chiefs and vowed to continue operations as needed, framing the conflict as a struggle against a “tyrannical regime” and for the security of the region.
The exchange marks the most significant direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel to date, raising fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
