Iran retaliates with drone strikes after Israel targets its nuclear sites
- Israel conducted extensive airstrikes against Iranian military targets and nuclear facilities, killing high-ranking commanders.
- Iran retaliated by launching more than 100 drones toward Israel, escalating the ongoing conflict.
- The situation raises serious concerns about regional stability and international security dynamics.
On June 13, 2025, Israel carried out significant airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and military commanders, marking a major escalation in the longstanding conflict between the two nations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that around 200 fighter jets participated in the operation, which targeted more than 100 sites across Iran, including the crucial Natanz nuclear site. The strikes resulted in the deaths of key figures in Iran's military leadership, including General Hossein Salami, the chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This operation was prompted by what Israel termed an imminent threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions. Following the strikes, Iranian officials warned of severe retaliation, stating that the country would respond decisively to the attacks, which they viewed as a direct threat to their national security. Reports indicate that Iran began its counter-offensive within hours, launching over 100 drones towards Israeli territory, with some potentially taking up to seven hours to reach their targets. Israel’s military prepared for the onslaught by activating its aerial defense systems, claiming to have intercepted multiple drones before they could inflict damage. The situation escalated further as concerns regarding regional stability, especially in adjacent countries, rose. Jordan, Iraq, and Iran closed their airspaces, reflecting the heightened state of alert across the region. The conflict quickly drew international attention, with the United States urging both parties to de-escalate tensions but maintaining that it did not participate in Israel's airstrikes. This exchange marks one of the more severe escalations in recent history, potentially threatening the stability of the Middle East and leading to broader international implications. As the unfolding events are characterized by significant military actions from both sides, the fear of full-scale war looms large, impacting global markets, particularly oil prices and security dynamics within the region.