Iran Unleashes Missile Barrage on Israel After Top Commanders Killed in Airstrikes
Tel Aviv/Jerusalem, June 13, 2025 —
Explosions rocked the skies over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem late Friday as Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in a dramatic escalation following Israeli airstrikes that killed senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.
The Iranian state media confirmed the attack, branding it “Operation True Promise 3,” a direct retaliation for what Tehran described as Israel’s most extensive assault on Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure to date.
Explosions, Sirens, and Civilian Casualties in Israel
Missile sirens blared across central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as Israel’s air defense systems intercepted a wave of incoming threats. At least 15 people were reported injured, with one in moderate condition, according to Israeli sources cited by Al Jazeera and Haaretz.
A large fire broke out in central Tel Aviv following a direct missile impact, as captured in footage shared by Reuters. Residents were ordered into shelters, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed ongoing active interceptions.
Iranian Forces Down Israeli Jets, Detain Pilot
Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had downed two Israeli fighter jets and captured one pilot. The claim, which remains unverified by independent sources, adds another layer to the rapidly escalating conflict.
Israeli Attacks Target Iranian Nuclear and Military Sites
The Iranian missile strike follows Israel’s targeted attacks on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, missile factories, and airbases in Tabriz and Shiraz. Iranian sources confirmed the death of three top military commanders, six nuclear scientists, and injuries to over 50 civilians.
Israel’s operation was aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capability, despite Tehran’s insistence that its program is strictly civilian in nature.
Khamenei Vows Harsh Response
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a televised statement, declaring that “the Zionist regime will face a bitter and painful fate.” He vowed that Iran’s retaliation would be “powerful, complete, and uncompromising.”
“This crime will not go unpunished,” Khamenei said. “The Iranian nation will not accept hit-and-run attacks. Israel must now prepare for severe consequences.”
Diplomatic Fallout and Global Reactions
In a phone call with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected calls for restraint, emphasizing that Tehran had a right to defend itself.
Meanwhile, world leaders urged calm, warning that the current conflict could ignite a wider regional war. The United States denied any involvement in Israel’s operations, stating that it had not authorized or supported the airstrikes.
Flight Disruptions and Regional Lockdown
Airspace over much of the region was shut down as both nations entered a state of military high alert. Civil aviation authorities in Israel and neighboring countries canceled or rerouted flights, while emergency services prepared for further escalation.
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