As of Sunday, June 15, 2025, the tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly, marking the third day of overt conflict. Here’s a summary of what we know:
Initiation of Conflict:
* Friday, June 13, 2025: Israel launched major airstrikes on Iran, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion.” These attacks targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, military installations, and reportedly killed several top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists, including IRGC commander Hossein Salami and Major General Mohammad Bagheri. Explosions were reported in Tehran and near nuclear sites like Natanz and Esfahan. Israel stated its aim was to “degrade, destroy, and remove the threat” of Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
* Friday, June 13, 2025 (Evening): Iran quickly retaliated with a large-scale attack on Israel, launching over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones, codenamed “Operation True Promise III.”
Escalation and Continued Strikes:
* Saturday, June 14, 2025: Both sides continued their strikes. Israel expanded its targets to include Iran’s energy industry, while Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel continued, reportedly hitting cities like Haifa and Tel Aviv.
* Sunday, June 15, 2025: The exchange of strikes has continued for a third day. Israel has unleashed further airstrikes across Iran, threatening greater force. Some Iranian missiles have reportedly evaded Israeli air defenses and struck buildings in central Israel. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted Israel’s fuel infrastructure in response to Israeli strikes on its oil facilities.
Casualties and Damages:
* Iran: Iranian media has reported significant casualties, with unofficial tolls on Saturday stating 78 people killed and 329 injured in Tehran alone. Al Jazeera reports at least 80 people killed and 800 wounded across Iran over the past two days, including 20 children and nine nuclear scientists. Israeli strikes have caused fires at oil storage facilities in Tehran and other areas.
* Israel: Iran’s retaliatory strikes have also caused casualties. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service reported at least 10 people killed overnight and into Sunday, bringing Israel’s total death toll to 13. Reports indicate strikes hitting residential areas, with one attack in Bat Yam (a Tel Aviv suburb) killing at least six people, including two children, and wounding 180.
International Reaction:
* The United Nations Security Council held a meeting on Friday, June 13, to discuss the rising tensions.
* Calls for de-escalation are mounting from world leaders.
* The conflict has closed Israel’s main international airport and airspace for a third day.
Context and Broader Implications:
* This direct military confrontation marks a significant escalation in the long-standing “shadow war” between Israel and Iran, which previously involved proxy conflicts, cyberattacks, and targeted assassinations.
* The immediate catalyst was Israel’s initial strikes, which it justified by claiming Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon, a day after the UN nuclear watchdog declared Iran wasn’t complying with nonproliferation agreements. Iran responded by stating it would create a new uranium enrichment facility.
* Experts are concerned about the potential for this conflict to escalate into a wider regional war, with implications for global energy markets.
* There are reports of discussions regarding regime change as a potential Israeli goal.

“Operation Sadiq Promise 3” (also referred to as “True Promise 3”) is the name given by Iran to its most recent large-scale military operation against Israel. This operation, reportedly involving hundreds of drones and missiles, is a direct response to Israeli military actions, particularly those targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, and previously, its consulate in Damascus.
Here’s a breakdown of what the “Sadiq Promise” (or “True Promise”) series of operations signifies:
* “Sadiq Promise” (Vade-ye Sadegh – وعده صادق in Persian): This name, which translates to “True Promise” or “Honest Promise,” implies that Iran views these operations as fulfilling a pledge or commitment to retaliate against Israeli aggression. It signifies a declared strategy of direct military response from Iran.
* The “3” indicates a sequence:
* Operation Sadiq Promise (or True Promise) 1 (April 2024): This was the first direct, large-scale drone and missile attack by Iran against Israel. It was a retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, which killed several Iranian military officials.
* Operation Sadiq Promise (or True Promise) 2 (October 2024): This operation involved a missile strike by Iran targeting Israeli military facilities. While it caused minor damage, it demonstrated Iran’s continued capability and willingness to strike directly.
* Operation Sadiq Promise (or True Promise) 3 (June 2025): This is the latest iteration, reported to be a significant escalation involving a large number of drones and missiles, in response to Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” which targeted Iranian sites.
In essence, “Operation Sadiq Promise 3” means that Iran is executing the third phase of its vowed direct military retaliation against Israel, aiming to demonstrate its resolve and capability to respond to perceived Israeli aggression.