The tense confrontation between Israel and Iran continues to escalate as a series of aggressive military actions pushed the region closer to a larger conflict. Per CBS, Trump said it “would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told…” and now that’s come to pass. Missiles flew, and targeted attacks caused widespread destruction.
Iran quickly retaliated against Israel’s initial attack. On Friday morning, Iran sent over 100 drones toward Israel, most of which were shot down by Israel’s air defenses. Later that day and into Saturday, Iran fired multiple rounds of ballistic missiles. The first wave included about 100 missiles launched in two groups. While Israel’s Iron Dome defense system stopped most of them, a few got through, damaging buildings and causing injuries.
As reported by CBS, a second wave of dozens more missiles followed, with some again slipping past defenses, leading to reports of explosions in different parts of the country and requiring search and rescue teams to respond. Videos and photos from places like Tel Aviv showed buildings hit by missiles, some on fire.
Iran and Israel are trading missile attacks
The sharp escalation began early on Friday, when Israel launched a major military operation called “Operation Rising Lion.” This large-scale attack involved more than 200 Israeli fighter jets firing over 330 different weapons at more than 100 targets across Iran. According to Israeli military officials, the main goals of these strikes were Iran’s nuclear facilities, scientists working on nuclear programs, and top military leaders.
Specific targets included a nuclear site in the Isfahan area, where a facility for making metallic uranium and equipment for processing enriched uranium were destroyed. This was along with labs and other supporting structures.
— Sputnik (@VasBroughtToX) June 13, 2025
Iran just Retalliated to Israel by Shooting a Missile Barrage. Tehran Called this “ The Beginning of a Crushing Response.” Iron Dome Intercepted Most. Emergency Meeting at Kirya, Discussing Possible Responses. Video reported as Tel Aviv. This is for Israeli not US Army. pic.twitter.com/DqvI8mPR3y
The underground section of the Natanz uranium enrichment site was also hit, damaging its multi-level enrichment hall, centrifuges, electrical systems, and other key infrastructure. Additionally, Israeli military reports confirmed that several high-ranking Iranian security officials, including the Chief of Staff, the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards, and the Head of the Emergency Command, were killed in the strikes. Israel stated that the purpose of the operation was to stop what it claimed was an Iranian plan to destroy Israel, which included developing nuclear weapons, expanding missile stockpiles, and supporting proxy groups against Israel.
The United States confirmed that it helped Israel intercept Iranian missiles. During the attacks, U.S. troops at two bases in the Middle East, Union III in Baghdad, Iraq, and Al-Tanf Garrison in Syria, were ordered to take cover in bunkers for about an hour. However, the U.S. made clear that it was not involved in Israel’s initial strikes on Iran. Before the Israeli operation, the U.S. State Department had informed several allied governments in the region, stressing that this was not a U.S. operation, did not involve U.S. military assets, and that the U.S. preferred diplomacy over military action.
2. Israel hits Iran’s nuclear sites after missile barrage!
— Ritam English (@english_ritam) June 14, 2025
Trump backs Israel, sends navy, Iran quits US nuclear talks, Tensions soar in West Asia!#IsraelIran #MissileStrike #AirRaids #Trump #NuclearCrisis pic.twitter.com/4xa7yfFNOk
At the same time, the U.S. Embassy in Israel told American personnel to stay indoors, and non-essential U.S. staff had been ordered to leave Iraq days earlier, while military family members were allowed to voluntarily leave the Middle East. The human and material cost of the conflict was high. In Israel, reports said 21 people were injured, two seriously, and many buildings and vehicles were damaged in areas like Ramat Gan in Tel Aviv. In Iran, officials reported 78 dead and over 320 wounded from the Israeli strikes.
