New Delhi, Jun 14: Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated sharply, with deadly attacks exchanged by both sides. At least three people were killed and dozens injured in Israel after Iran launched a major wave of missile and drone attacks overnight, in what it called “Operation True Promise 3.” The Iranian offensive was carried out in retaliation for earlier Israeli airstrikes on Iranian cities, military facilities, and nuclear sites. According to Iranian officials at UN, those Israeli strikes killed 78 people, including top military leaders and civilians, and injured more than 320. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for targeting multiple Israeli military sites, including airbases and weapons factories. They said a significant number of their ballistic missiles hit the intended targets.
Dozens of Iranian drones and missiles were fired at key Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Videos from the ground showed the night sky lit up as Israel’s Iron Dome defence system tried to intercept the incoming weapons. Despite efforts to block the attack, several missiles got through, causing casualties and damage.
According to BBC reports, at least 40 people were treated in hospitals, with two in critical condition. Five people were injured in Tel Aviv alone. Air raid sirens were sounded across the country, and citizens were urged to stay near shelters. Reuters reported that Iran fired two large waves of missiles, with explosions heard across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Tehran.
The Iranian strike followed a deadly Israeli attack earlier in the day that reportedly hit residential buildings and strategic locations in Tehran. Among the dead were Major General Mohammad Baqeri and IRGC Chief Commander Hossein Salami, according to Iranian state media. Following their deaths, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed new top commanders and vowed continued resistance.
Iran has warned the United States, United Kingdom, and France not to help Israel counter its strikes. If they do, Iran says it will target their military bases and warships in the region, state media reported. So far, the UK has said it has not taken part in any military action. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera and Iranian news agencies reported that fires broke out at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport, with plumes of smoke rising after explosions were heard in the area. The situation remains tense across Iran.
Israel Issues Stern Warning
In Israel, Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues its attacks. Speaking to military leaders, he accused Iran’s leadership of endangering its own people, especially the residents of Tehran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country’s military operations would continue for days, targeting Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. He claimed the attacks are aimed at Iran’s regime, not its citizens. Effie Deffrin, IDF spokesperson in a press conference as reported by BBC said that the military is “still striking” in different parts of Iran saying a “series” of strikes against various targets have taken place in the last 24 hours, with more than 150 hit. In Tehran, missiles and air defence systems were among the targets, she adds, while a nuclear site in Isfahan was also hit.
