Recent reports indicate a significant escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iran launching a substantial counterattack in response to what it views as Israeli strikes on its nuclear and military sites, and the killing of top military commanders.
Here’s a summary of the situation:
Israeli Strikes on Iran:
* Israel reportedly conducted widespread airstrikes across Iran, targeting military installations, nuclear facilities, and killing several high-ranking Iranian military figures, including the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), and top nuclear scientists.
* These strikes were characterized by Israel as “Operation Rising Lion” and aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear program and responding to perceived Iranian aggression.
* Reports indicate that the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility and a uranium conversion plant in Isfahan were among the targets.
Iran’s Counterattack:
* Following the Israeli strikes, Iran launched a major retaliatory operation, referred to by some as “Severe Punishment.”
* This counterattack involved the launch of hundreds of missiles and drones towards Israel.
* Air raid sirens sounded across Israel, including in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and explosions were heard.
* Iranian state media reported multiple waves of attacks, with hundreds of missiles aimed at dozens of military targets and air bases in Israel.
* Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment” and stated that Israel would not be allowed to “escape safely from this great crime.”
Impact and Reactions:
* Initial reports from Israel indicated that many of the Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems. However, there were reports of explosions and some damage, with 15 people reportedly injured and a high-rise building in the greater Tel Aviv area directly hit.
* The United States has responded by shifting military resources in the Middle East, including warships capable of ballistic missile defense, in anticipation of a potential broader conflict.
* The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for de-escalation and emergency meetings of the UN Security Council.
* Regional actors like Hezbollah and Houthi rebels have expressed solidarity with Iran and condemned the Israeli strikes.
This is a rapidly evolving situation, and further developments are expected.

In a major escalation, Iran was attacked on Friday, June 13, 2025, by Israel. This attack, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion” by Israel, targeted various sites across Iran.
How and by what means was Iran attacked?
* Airstrikes: The primary means of attack was a barrage of airstrikes. Reports indicate that over 200 Israeli Air Force fighter jets were involved, hitting more than 100 targets.
* Targeted Facilities: The airstrikes focused on:
* Nuclear sites: Crucially, Israel struck Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz, where black smoke was reportedly seen. Other nuclear sites were also targeted.
* Military sites: This included ballistic missile manufacturing sites, missile launchers, and air defense systems in western Iran.
* Leadership: The attacks reportedly killed top military officers, including the chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, and several nuclear scientists.
* Residential sites: Some reports also indicated that residential areas in Tehran were hit, causing injuries.
* Covert Operations: In addition to overt airstrikes, there were reports of more clandestine means:
* Explosive Drones: Israel’s Mossad spy agency reportedly positioned explosive drones inside Iran and activated them to target missile launchers.
* Smuggled Weapons: Precision weapons and strike systems on vehicles were allegedly smuggled into central Iran and activated during the attack to target Iranian air defenses.
Prior incidents and context:
It’s important to note that while this recent attack is a significant escalation, Israel has previously engaged in covert operations and cyberattacks against Iran, particularly targeting its nuclear program. The most well-known example is the Stuxnet cyberworm discovered in 2010, believed to be a joint US-Israeli effort, which severely damaged Iran’s nuclear centrifuges. Iran has also faced other cyberattacks on its infrastructure, with Iranian officials often blaming the US and Israel.