Israel’s military resumed strikes near Tehran as Iran launched a retaliatory missile barrage that killed three civilians in central Israel, marking a sharp escalation in direct hostilities between the two nations.
At a Glance
- Israeli aircraft struck over 200 targets near Tehran overnight, including missile defense systems, killing Iranian commanders and scientists
- Iran responded with missile strikes into central Israel, killing three civilians and wounding dozens
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that “Tehran will burn” if attacks continue
- The IDF said it struck as far as 1,500 km from Israel, targeting defense arrays around Tehran
- Global leaders—including the Pope and Jordan—are calling for de-escalation as regional airspace and markets react
The Latest Tit-for-Tat Strikes
On June 13, Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” with over 200 aircraft targeting around 100 Iranian sites, including nuclear facilities and command centers near Tehran. In response, Iran fired ballistic missiles into central Israel, killing three civilians and injuring many more. Sirens sounded across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as air defenses intercepted multiple projectiles.
Watch a report: Iran-Israel War Live: IDF Resumes Striking Tehran.
Why This Marks a Turning Point
This marks the deepest Israeli strike into Iranian territory, with jets flying 1,500 km to engage military infrastructure and air defenses. According to the IDF, the strikes killed up to 20 Iranian commanders. In response to the civilian casualties in Israel, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues its missile retaliation.
Meanwhile, international voices including Pope Francis and regional partners like Jordan have pleaded for immediate de-escalation. Civilian unrest, global markets, and diplomatic channels are all reacting with growing urgency.
What Comes Next
The immediate future is precarious. Iran’s leadership may suspend participation in nuclear negotiations, and Israel’s warning of further strikes raises the specter of broader regional involvement. U.S. and EU diplomatic backchannels are reportedly engaged to prevent a larger-scale war. The coming days may decide whether this is a limited exchange or the start of a far more dangerous confrontation.
