Operation Rision Lion vs Operation True Promise 3: Iran fires more missiles; Israel continues strikes
Israeli security forces inspect destroyed buildings that were hit by a missile fired from Iran, near Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Iran and Israel unleashed fresh wave of attacks on each other on Sunday, following Israel's Operation Rising Lion in Iran and the retaliatory missile strikes by the latter on Israeli cities.
Also Read | Nuclear sites hit, oil depot targeted: Israel-Iran trade heavy blows; key details
From the Israeli side, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an "extensive series of strikes" on targets related to Iran's nuclear weapons project. The IDF also intercepted several Iranian drones, and sirens rang out in multiple cities across the Jewish State.
— IDF (@IDF)
Iran, on the other hand, began the "next phase" of its Operation True Promise 3, which was its response to the rival's Operation Rising Lion, under which the IDF hit Tehran's nuclear facilities.
The crisis began on Thursday night, when, in a sweeping and highly coordinated attack, 200 IDF fighter jets struck deep inside the Islamic Republic. Key targets included parts of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile production sites, and command centres. The strikes also killed top commanders of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, and the country's nuclear scientists.
Israel's 'extensive strikes' on targets in Tehran; sirens across Israel
In fresh strikes, the IDF targeted Iran's defense ministry headquarters, the headquarters of the SPND nuclear project, as well as additional targets - which it did not identify.
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According to the IDF, the additional targets "advanced the Iranian regime's efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon and where the Iranian regime hid its nuclear archive."
'Next phase' of Iran's Operation True Promise 3
Iran launched the "next phase" of True Promise 3, its retaliatory operation under which it responded with a salvo of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory, causing significant damage in cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, on Friday night.
The powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the retaliatory attacks.
"Using a combination of precision-guided and smart systems, Iran targeted military centres and airbases that served as the source of the criminal aggression against our country," an IRGC statement read.
US steps in to help Israel
The United States stepped in to assist its ally after Iranian missiles
breached
Israel's famed Iron Dome air defense system, US officials told news agency The Associated Press.
American air defense systems and Navy assets in the Middle East helped Israel shoot down incoming ballistic missiles Tehran launched in response to Operation Rising Lion.
The US has both ground-based Patriot missile defense systems and Terminal High Altitude Air Defense systems in the region, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
UK to move fighter jets to Middle East
The United Kingdom is deploying fighter jets and other "assets" to the Middle East amid the escalating conflict, its Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Saturday.
"We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support," AFP quoted Starmer as saying. The British premier was addressing reporters travelling with him on his plane to Canada for the G7 Summit.
He added that he had spoken with both Donald Trump and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu on the crisis.
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Indian Express
11 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Explained: What's happening in the latest Iran-Israel flare-up, in 5 points
Iran-Israel Conflict 2025: On Friday (June 13), Israel launched airstrikes towards Iran, targeting multiple nuclear and military facilities, and killing several senior military officers and scientists under what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called 'Operation Rising Lion'. He has framed what was the biggest attack on Iran in decades as an attempt to remove the 'nuclear threat' to Israel. Addressing the people of Iran in a video message, he said the time had come for them to stand up for their freedom from an 'evil and oppressive regime', which has 'never been weaker.' We explain what has happened. 1. What was the context for these attacks? Going back in history, Israel and Iran have had no diplomatic relations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which led to a theocratic government in Iran under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. It's important to note that before 1979, not only did the two countries have ties, but Iran was the second Muslim country to recognise Israel after its formation in 1948. However, the Islamist regime in Iran, which has since endured, viewed Israel as an occupier of Palestinian land. Khomeini termed Israel 'Little Satan' and its closest ally, the United States, as 'Great Satan' for what was seen as unnecessary Western interference in the Middle East. Over the years, the ties devolved with little trust on either side. Iran's support for Hamas and other Iran-backed regional actors, such as Hezbollah, especially after October 7, 2023, has drawn Israel's ire. Crucially, the great strategic concern in Israel is Iran possessing nuclear weapons, and to that end, it has previously launched attacks on scientists (although more targeted and tactical ones). Iran says it is not looking to develop weapons, and has simply invested in nuclear power over the decades. However, the process of enriching uranium for use in power plants can be furthered for making a nuclear bomb as well. Enrichment is how uranium-235, used for producing nuclear weapons, is extracted from the naturally occurring uranium-238 variety. Highly enriched uranium has previously been found at an Iranian plant in Natanz. Friday's attacks came one day after the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors censured Iran for the first time in 20 years for not working with its inspectors. It happened amid talks between the US and Iran for the removal of economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for reducing or ending uranium enrichment. The sixth round of nuclear negotiations was scheduled for Sunday in Muscat, but Oman announced they were scrapped. 2. What kind of damage has been inflicted? Some major targets include the Natanz enrichment facility, around 220 kilometres southeast of Tehran, which is Iran's main enrichment site. It sustained some damage, but there was no nuclear radiation or contamination. There is also the Fordo facility, the Bushehr nuclear power plant that is the only commercial n-power plant in Iran, and the Arak heavy water reactor. On Saturday, the scope of the attacks was expanded to include a refinery in Kangan. It is part of the world's largest gas field, the South Pars, owned by Iran and Qatar. The attacks resulted in a fire, temporarily pausing operations. Attacks have continued over the weekend, with the toll in Iran climbing up to 78 deaths and more than 300 injuries. Key military officers have been killed, including General Hossein Salami, the head of Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. On Friday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel initiated a war and said it will not be allowed to do 'hit and run'. 'The Zionist regime (Israel) will not remain unscathed from the consequences of its crime. The Iranian nation must be guaranteed that our response will not be half-measured,' he said. At least 100 drones were fired at Israel on Friday, but the Israeli Iron Dome defence system intercepted a majority of them. Missiles were launched towards Israel on Saturday night, resulting in three deaths and 34 injuries. Israel claimed to have gained control of the skies over the Iranian capital and warned that 'Tehran will burn' if more missiles are fired, The Guardian reported on Saturday. However, Iran has nonetheless threatened a 'more severe and powerful response'. It has also warned Western nations from extending support to Israel, and that it could target their infrastructure and military bases in the region. 4. How has the world reacted? US President Donald Trump said the country had no role in the attack, but Iran should accept a nuclear deal. He added that Israel possessed US-manufactured 'lethal' weaponry and that 'Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!' Saudi Arabia expressed 'strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms.' Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday urged both Israel and Iran 'to avoid any escalatory steps,' saying India has 'close and friendly' relations with the two nations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar received a call from the Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister and also spoke to his Iranian counterpart. Netanyahu also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who 'emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region,' according to a post on his X account. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said they were moving assets to the region, including jets, 'for contingency support'. The Chinese embassy in Israel said the Israeli strikes were 'significantly escalating the tensions.' A Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson called on all parties to avoid further escalation of tensions. 'China opposes any infringement on Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and opposes actions that escalate tensions and expand the conflict', the spokesperson said. China also offered to 'play a constructive role' in de-escalating the situation. 5. What happens next? In the short run, oil prices are likely to rise, and shipping in the Red Sea may be impacted. However, it is unclear to what level the conflict will escalate or not, given that the Israeli attacks stemmed from broader issues – Iran's nuclear program and Netanyahu addressing Iranians for regime change. On paper, when it comes to a comparison of the countries' military capabilities, Israel also has more advanced, US-backed technology, and has been more successful in inflicting damage in recent conflicts. A previous exchange of fire happened in April 2024 – the first time the countries engaged in direct confrontation. Iran launched strikes after Israel attacked its consulate in Damascus, Syria, killing senior military leaders. Then, too, Iranian attacks only resulted in limited damage. The Iranian government is also facing multiple problems at home, including economic downturn due to sanctions, domestic discontent, and now, its senior military leadership being eliminated. However, with the long history of their animosity, it would be difficult for either country to de-escalate without showing some gains from the strikes. Israel has undoubtedly faced criticism internationally, given its war in Gaza, but Iran's options are even more limited. Only China, Russia, and Burkina Faso opposed the IAEA resolution against it, and many in the Middle East are also worried about a nuclear-armed Iran.
Hans India
13 minutes ago
- Hans India
Haifa port in Israel operating normally despite Iran attack
There has been no damage to Israel's Haifa port in the Iranian ballistic missile attack on an oil refinery nearby and cargo operations are progressing unhindered, according to media reports. Despite strikes targeting the Haifa oil refinery and surrounding areas, the port itself is operating normally, with cargo operations continuing unhampered, reports confirmed. There are eight ships at the port now and cargo operations were being carried out normally, according to the reports. Late on Saturday night, Iran targeted Israel's Haifa port and a nearby oil refinery in retaliation to Tel Avi's attack on Iranian nuclear sites and missile factories and military command centres. Top military commanders and nuclear scientists were killed in the attacks launched by air. Shrapnel fell in the chemical terminal at the port and some other projectiles fell at the oil refinery but there is no damage to the port facilities. The refinery is reported to be at some distance from the port facilties. Haifa Port is a major international seaport located in northern Israel, a relatively less volatile region compared to the south. It is an important port for Israel both for imports and exports of the country. A major escalation unfolded as Iran reportedly launched a fresh barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel for the second consecutive night, with Iranian state media claiming a direct hit on the Haifa oil refinery, sparking a large fire near the northern port city. Official Israeli confirmation of a refinery strike remains pending. The missile assault reportedly struck a residential building in Tamra near Haifa, killing three and injuring at least 14 others. Israel and Iran launched fresh attacks on each other overnight into Sunday, killing scores, as US President Donald Trump said the conflict could be ended easily while warning Tehran not to strike any US targets. Israeli rescue teams combed through the rubble of residential buildings destroyed in strikes, using flashlights and sniffer dogs to look for survivors after at least 10 people, including children, were killed, authorities said. Iran has said at least 138 people have been killed in Israel's onslaught since Friday. The Israeli military warned Iranians living near weapons facilities to evacuate. US President Donald Trump has said that Washington is not involved in the attacks in Iran. However, Tehran has alleged a US hand in the Israeli offensive and has called off the nuclear talks which were scheduled to take place in Oman on Sunday. Trump has warned Tehran against any retaliatory attacks on US facilities or interests. "If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict," he added
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Knee on neck': Indian-origin man in Australia, Gaurav Kundi, who was 'attacked' by cops during dramatic arrest, dies
Indian-origin man Gaurav Kundi dies in police custody in Australia. (Photo: 7News) Gaurav Kundi, a 42-year-old Indian-origin man and a father of two, died of 'unrecoverable' brain injury in the Australian police custody, days after he was dramatically arrested from outside his home. During the arrest, Kundi lost consciousness and had to be admitted to a hospital in a critical condition with severe brain injury. Earlier this week, he died when he was surrounded by his family members, 7News reported. Kundi's arrest involved a lot of drama as patrol police thought there was an altercation between him and his wife. But his wife Amritpal Kaur who made a video of the arrest later said that she told the police that he was her husband and that there was no assault, but they were fighting loudly. Despite the wife's plea, she alleged that Kundi was restrained with a knee to his neck by police. She told the cops that what they mistook as domestic violence was just a loud fight between a couple. Kundi was drunk and loud, not violent, she told the cops. 'I've done nothing wrong,' Kundi shouted while Kaur filmed. But when the cop allegedly knelt on his neck and Kundi became unresponsive, his wife got scared and stopped the camera. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Found THIS Chat on Her Husband's Phone and Vanished Overnight medalmerit Learn More Undo 'Knee on neck': Indian-origin man in Australia dies in custody, received brain injury during arrest Kundi's arrest and outcome sparked a commissioner's inquiry, where South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens told ABC Radio Adelaide the inquiry would be conducted 'on top of' an investigation by Major Crime and the internal investigation section detectives. SA Police said no one was shot, and no police taser was deployed at the scene. Police says at no time was a knee applied... A senior investigating officer conducting the Commissioner's Inquiry has reviewed body worn vision and it has been confirmed that at no time was a knee applied to Mr Kundi's neck. His head was not forced into the car or roadway at any point. However, the use of restraints during this incident will be closely examined during the Commissioner's Inquiry.
