Israel, Iran trade deadly airstrikes in escalating showdown

In an unprecedented escalation, Israel and Iran exchanged fierce airstrikes early June 14, plunging the Middle East into its most dangerous military confrontation in decades. Explosions rocked capitals, nuclear talks collapsed, and world leaders scrambled to prevent an all-out regional war.

The violence erupted after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” its largest-ever military campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capability. The offensive targeted nuclear facilities, key military infrastructure, and eliminated senior Iranian commanders in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as just “the beginning.”

Iran retaliated with “Operation True Promise,” launching a barrage of rockets and missiles into Israeli territory. The strikes hit Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, killing one person and injuring at least 34 others, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israeli warplanes bombarded Tehran and surrounding regions for a second consecutive day, striking sensitive sites near Mehrabad Airport and triggering widespread fires.

As Israeli air raid sirens blared and Iranian citizens scrambled for shelter, Netanyahu vowed the assault would continue until “the existential threat” from Iran was neutralized. “This murderous regime will pay a heavy price,” he declared.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a defiant national address, said Israel had "crossed a red line" and warned that the response would “bring it to ruin.”

The tit-for-tat attacks mark the most severe military exchange between the two regional powers in recent history. Israel's June 13 strike reportedly killed at least 78 people — many of them civilians — and wounded over 320, with significant damage to Iranian command centers. Among the dead were three of Iran’s top military leaders: General Mohammad Bagheri, General Hossein Salami, and missile program chief General Amir Ali Hajizadeh.

The United Nations urged both countries to stand down, with Secretary-General António Guterres appealing for immediate de-escalation and dialogue. However, Israel's UN envoy insisted operations would continue until all “threats in Iran” were eliminated.

The United States, while not directly involved in the assault, confirmed its regional defense systems were aiding Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles. Former President Donald Trump, speaking amid ongoing nuclear negotiations, warned Tehran that failure to strike a deal would invite “even more brutal” consequences.

Trump also revealed the strike plan had been in the works since November 2024, following the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among world leaders briefed by Netanyahu, even as New Delhi expressed deep concern and called on both sides to avoid further escalation.

As the conflict intensifies, fears grow of a broader war drawing in militias, proxies, and global powers — with diplomacy hanging by a thread.