Offensive and counterattack in less than 24 hours. Missiles on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, raids on Tehran and nuclear facilities. Netanyahu and Trump in contact, Putin attempts mediation
In less than 24 hours, Israel and Iran have entered into an unprecedented direct confrontation. The Israeli operation Rising Lion, launched before dawn on 13 June, kicked off a massive attack against Iranian military leaders and the country’s main nuclear sites. Tehran’s response, called True Promise 3, came late in the evening with a coordinated missile strike on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
At dawn on 14 June, new alarms in both countries confirmed the extremely high level of tension and the real prospect of an uncontrollable escalation.
Targeted objectives: military leaders and nuclear facilities hit
The Israeli attack, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had the stated objective of eradicating Iran’s nuclear programme and eliminating the military leaders responsible for its development. According to Israeli sources, those killed include:
- Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff (replaced by Abdolrahim Mousavi)
- Hossein Salami, Commander of the Revolutionary Guards (replaced by Mohammad Pakpour)
- Gholamali Rashid, Commander of Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters (replaced by Ali Shadmani)
- Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Pasdaran aerospace sector
Six nuclear scientists were also targeted, including Fereydoun Abbasi, former director of the Oeai, and Mohammed Mehdi Tehranchi, president of Azad Islamic University. The New York Times also reports the death of Ali Shamkhani, Khamenei’s adviser.
Raids on Tehran and key facilities: serious damage to Natanz
The offensive was widespread, targeting sensitive areas such as Tehran – in particular the Pastour district, home to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and new President Masoud Pezeskhian – and strategic facilities such as Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.
According to the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran, the damage to Fordow and Isfahan is “limited”, while Natanz has suffered extensive damage, including to its underground levels, as confirmed by CNN.
Iran responds with 100 missiles: Tel Aviv hit, at least 30 injured
The Iranian response was not long in coming. Tehran launched about 100 ballistic missiles, mainly targeting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Israeli defence systems, with support from the US and other countries, managed to intercept most of the rockets, but not all: some explosions hit civilian areas, causing at least 30 injuries.
Defence Minister Israel Katz condemned the attack: “Iran has crossed the red lines. They will pay a very high price”. On the other hand, Khamenei spoke of a “devastating response”, announcing further strikes against the “Zionist regime”.
Netanyahu calls Trump: ‘Now it’s up to him to decide’
Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that he had informed Donald Trump before launching the operation. ‘Our survival is at stake,’ said the Israeli leader, hinting at a possible expansion of the intervention based on the American position: ‘From this moment on, it is up to him to decide how to proceed.’
Trump, for his part, said: ‘I have given Iran many opportunities. Now they have to make a deal,’ adding that many of the Iranian negotiators at the time ‘are now dead.’
Putin seeks to mediate: ‘A diplomatic solution is needed’
In the midst of the crisis, Vladimir Putin initiated telephone contacts with Netanyahu and Pezeskhian. The Russian president condemned the Israeli offensive and called for de-escalation. ‘Russia will continue to contribute to reducing tensions between Iran and Israel,’ a Kremlin statement said.
Putin reiterated the need to resume nuclear negotiations, offering mediation to avoid further military developments.
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