Iran launches new wave of retaliatory strikes into Israel 

On Friday, June 13, 2025, Iran launched a new wave of retaliatory strikes against Israel, in response to Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion” which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites earlier that day. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Here’s what is known about Iran’s retaliatory strikes:

Targets: Iran fired multiple waves of long-range ballistic missiles and launched over 100 drones towards Israel. The primary target appeared to be Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial capital, as well as military sites and airbases.

Casualties and Damage:
Iranian state media reported that Israel’s initial attacks on Iran killed 78 people and injured over 320, with the “overwhelming majority” being civilians.
In Israel, the retaliatory strikes wounded at least 34 people in the first wave, with an additional seven injured in a second barrage. Injuries ranged from light to moderate, though some individuals were critically hurt.

Damage was reported in Tel Aviv, with reports of burned-out cars and at least three damaged houses, including one where the front was nearly torn away. Some missiles reportedly penetrated Israel’s air defense system and hit their targets.

Air Defense and US Assistance: Israel’s sophisticated Iron Dome and other air defense systems intercepted most of the incoming missiles and drones. The United States also confirmed that its ground-based air defense systems helped in intercepting Iranian projectiles.

Iranian Codename: Iran has codenamed its counterattack “Operation True Promise III.”
Statements from Iran: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge, stating, “We will not allow them to escape safely from this great crime they committed.” Iran’s UN ambassador described Israel’s initial attacks as “barbaric and criminal” and declared Iran’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

International Reaction: The international community has expressed grave concern over the escalation.
The UN Secretary-General called for an end to the strikes and urged both sides to show maximum restraint to avoid a “descent into deeper conflict.”
The US stated it was not involved in Israel’s initial strikes but has affirmed its commitment to protecting American forces in the region and warned Iran against targeting US interests.

Global oil prices surged, and stock markets fell, reflecting widespread concerns about the conflict’s potential impact on the broader Middle East and global economy, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Several countries, including Jordan and Iraq, closed their airspace, and airlines diverted or canceled flights in the region.