TEHRAN, June 14 – In a major escalation of regional tensions, Iran launched a significant barrage of missiles targeting Israeli military installations within the occupied Palestinian territories early Saturday morning. The Iranian missile strike, dubbed “Operation True Promise III” by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), comes less than 24 hours after a series of Israeli attacks killed top Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists.
The retaliatory operation began shortly after a televised address by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. He declared the Israeli regime “despicable” and predicted it would be “rendered helpless” following the response from Iran’s Armed Forces, stating Israel had committed a “big mistake, a grave error” with consequences that would “ruin them.”
Key Details of the Iranian Operation:
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Targets Struck: The IRGC stated its forces hit “dozens” of targets, specifically naming Israeli military centers and airbases within the occupied territories. Iranian media claimed one projectile struck the site of Israel’s military affairs ministry.
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Nature of Attack: Described by the IRGC as a “crushing and precise” counter strike, carried out in its role as the “defensive and offensive arm of the Iranian nation.” The operation was conducted under the code name “Ya Ali ibn Abi Talib,” coinciding with Eid al-Ghadir.
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Israeli Response: Sirens sounded across northern Israel and major cities including Haifa, Tel Aviv, and areas around occupied Al-Quds (Jerusalem), sending settlers into shelters. Israeli media reported potential impacts and significant casualties at military installations, though official confirmation is pending.
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Effectiveness Claimed: Videos circulating on social media, attributed to Israeli sources, appear to show Iranian missiles penetrating Israeli air defense systems.
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Additional Claim: Iran’s Army separately announced its air defense forces shot down two Israeli F-35 fighter jets and several drones; the fate of the pilots is unknown.
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Casualties: Initial reports from some media suggest significant casualties at targeted Israeli military sites. Details remain unconfirmed.
Context: Triggering Israeli Aggression
The Iranian strikes were a direct response to coordinated Israeli assassinations in the early hours of Friday, June 13th. Among those killed were:
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Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces
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IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami
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Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the IRGC Aerospace Division
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Senior IRGC commander General Gholam Ali Rashid
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Nuclear scientists Dr. Fereydoon Abbasi, Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, and Dr. Abdolhamid Minoucher
Iranian Resolve & Regional Tensions
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized the Iranian nation “will not overlook the blood of its precious martyrs” and stated unanimous national support for the armed forces’ decisive action against the “malicious, despicable, terrorist Zionist identity.” The IRGC cited “divine power,” the Leader’s guidance, and public support as the basis for its operation.
This exchange marks a dangerous new phase in the long-simmering Iran-Israel conflict, significantly raising the risk of wider regional war. The international community watches with deep concern as Middle East tensions reach a critical peak.
Further details on the operation are expected from the IRGC.
