Since early Friday, June 13, Israel has been carrying out massive drone and air strikes on Iran under the code name Operation Rising Lion.
Reports indicate that Israeli forces bombed several locations in Tehran, including facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes “hit at the heart of Iran’s nuclear weaponization program and will continue as long as needed”. He added that Iran’s existence poses a direct threat to Israel.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that Israel “has prepared a great calamity for itself and will surely face dire consequences” .
Explosions were heard throughout Tehran early Friday. Israel’s military later confirmed execution of the air campaign and alerted the public to expect Iranian retaliation soon.
The operation deployed Israeli F‑35 fighters targeting nuclear and military installations across Iran. Iranian state TV reports civilian areas were struck, causing deaths, including children .
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard’s Commander‑in‑Chief Major General Hossein Salami was confirmed killed, along with top military chief Mohammad Bagheri, and nuclear scientists Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated the U.S. had no role in the strikes but pledged support for Israel if Iran retaliates. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that America was not involved, emphasizing protection of U.S. forces.
