Operation True Promise III – Iran's Counterattack to Operation Rising Lion

[muslimsforum]

Launched: Friday night into early Saturday, June 13–14, 2025

Codenamed: Operation True Promise III, a direct response to Israel’s bombing of nuclear and military sites, including Tehran’s air defenses and Natanz

Scale of the Attack

(a) Ballistic missiles: Iran unleashed approximately 150 missiles in two main salvos, aiming at central Israel, particularly Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
(b) Drones: Over 100 Shahed-style drones were launched alongside missiles.

Israeli & Allied Defenses

(a) Most threats intercepted by Iron Dome, Patriot, THAAD, with U.S. support .
(b) Drones were intercepted over Jordanian airspace by Jordan’s airforce before breaching Israel

Impact & Casualties

(a) Deaths: At least 3 civilians killed — two in central Israel (Rishon LeZion) and one in Tel Aviv suburbs ([washingtonpost.com][3]).
(b) Injuries: Dozens more wounded (around 22–25), with damage to homes and buildings

In Rishon LeZion: 2 deaths, 18 injured from homes struck .

Symbolic Strike: The Kirya Compound

(a) Iran specifically targeted HaKirya (Israel’s defense headquarters, likened to the Pentagon) in central Tel Aviv with missiles.
(b) A Fox News reporter witnessed three missile waves striking the compound, marking a symbolic escalation ([m.economictimes.com][4]).

Broader Implications

(a) Israel’s Reaction: Prime Minister Netanyahu warned “more is on the way,” signaling potential further strikes ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com][5]).
(b) Regional Environment: Sirens sounded widely across Israel; Jordan briefly closed and then reopened its airspace ([thetimes.co.uk][6]).
(c) Diplomatic Fallout: Iran suspended nuclear talks in Oman and declared Israel’s action a “declaration of war” ([thetimes.co.uk][6]).

Summary Snapshot

iran-retaliation.jpeg (46.86 KiB) Viewed 633 times

This marked the largest direct Iranian strike on Israel to date, demonstrating both symbolic intent (attacks on HaKirya) and capability (mass missile & drone volley). The conflict remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalations.

[muslimsforum]

Latest update as of June 20, 2025, on the Israel–Iran war:

Military Escalation & Strikes

(a) This marks the second week of intense conflict following Israel’s June 13 air campaign. Israel has conducted airstrikes across dozens of Iranian military and nuclear targets—including missile factories, command centres, and at least one nuclear scientist killed near Tehran. A hospital in Tehran was also struck, damaging ambulances.

(b) Iran has retaliated with large-scale missile and drone barrages targeting Israeli cities—Haifa, Beersheba, Tel Aviv—with multiple strikes injuring dozens and causing significant infrastructure damage.

Casualties & Damage

(a) Reported fatalities: Over 600 Iranians (including military, scientists, civilians) and around 25–30 Israelis dead, with many more wounded.

(b) Iran’s civil infrastructure has taken a hit—Tehran hospitals and clinics damaged, the Natanz nuclear site reportedly contaminated, and mass displacement from the capital.

Diplomacy & U.S. Involvement

(a) A Geneva diplomatic effort is underway: EU foreign ministers met Iran's FM Araghchi, while Iran firmly says no nuclear talks until attacks stop.

(b) U.S. President Trump has delayed a decision for two weeks on joining strikes—with options including “bunker-buster” strikes on Iran’s underground uranium facilities (e.g., Fordow).

Risks of Widening Conflict

(a) UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) warns an Israeli strike on Bushehr or other nuclear sites could trigger a nuclear disaster ([aljazeera.com][6]).

(b) Regional spillover fears rising: Hezbollah is asserting solidarity, Israel is warning it to stay out; strikes have extended to southern Lebanon.

Humanitarian & Civilian Impact

(a) Civilian flight from Tehran: Hundreds of thousands fleeing due to airstrikes, with internal displacement escalating.

(b) Infrastructure strain: Internet restrictions, fuel shortages, hospital and daycare center damage (Beersheba childcare hit but luckily empty at the time) ([aljazeera.com][4]).

(c) Indian evacuation: India has launched *Operation Sindhu*, evacuating over 110 citizens from Iran ([en.wikipedia.org][8]).

The conflict continues into its second week, with no sign of de-escalation. Israel is intensifying its strikes to degrade Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, while Iran is launching widespread missile and drone attacks on civilian areas. Diplomatic efforts—especially by the EU—are active in Geneva, and the U.S. is delaying its decision on deeper involvement. Humanitarian consequences are mounting, with high casualties and mass displacement. The risk of a full regional war, especially if more state and non-state actors get involved, remains alarmingly high.