On Friday, Israel targeted Iranian military and nuclear bases, killing more than 80 people, including the top military official and nuclear scientists.
On Saturday early morning, Iran retaliated with the launch of a barrage of missile strikes on Israel under the name of ‘Operation True Promise 3.’
The UN and other global powers are urging for a de-escalation.

Deadly fallout of Israel’s initial strike:

Israel initiated a war and targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities on Friday. In the Israeli attack, more than 80 people lost their lives, including civilians, military officers and nuclear scientists. Over 320 were wounded.

Iranian UN envoy Saeed Iravani confirmed the figures. He added that several senior Revolutionary Guard commanders were among the dead. AFP footage showed buildings in Tehran engulfed in flames, and explosions rocked the capital.

Also Read: Israel Launches Strikes On Iran Amid Rising Regional Tensions

The strike on these critical sites has been described by many as one of Israel’s most aggressive offensives in years.

Iran strikes back ‘Operation True Promise 3’ :

In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched over 150 missiles. The missiles targeted Israel’s airbases and military-industrial zones. The IRGC said, “This operation targeted military centres and facilities that enabled the criminal aggression against our nation.”

General Ahmad Vahidi of Iran confirmed, “Operation True Promise 3 will continue for as long as necessary.” Israeli authorities reported one woman dead and around 40 injured. One of the Israeli residents said, “Everything was shaking, smoke, dust. It was all over the place.”

In Tehran, crowds flooded the streets overnight, waving Iranian flags and chanting anti-Israel slogans in support of the retaliation.

Israel’s move after Iran’s retaliation:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz were moved to a secure bunker after the retaliatory move by Iran. An official told CNN they were conducting a real-time situation assessment from underground.

Ambassador Yechiel Leiter stated, “We faced three salvos of ballistic missiles from Iran today, about 150 in total. Iran has approximately 2,000 ballistic missiles.” Leiter added, “Israel is at war, not with the Iranian people, but with a regime intent on achieving nuclear power.”

Damage to Iranian nuclear sites:

Iran admitted that its Natanz nuclear facility suffered surface-level damage. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that radiation levels had remained unchanged. Minor damage was also reported at the Fordo and Isfahan nuclear sites. The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran’s spokesperson, Behrouz Kamalvandi, said, “Most of the damage is on the surface level.”

Commanders and Scientists killed:

In an Israeli airstrike on the military and nuclear bases, many Iranian officials were killed. Iran has confirmed the number and names. It stated that Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and IRGC commander Hossein Salami were martyred in the attack. Moreover, six nuclear scientists were also martyred.

In response, Ayatollah Khamenei swiftly appointed Major General Seyyed Abdulrahim Mousavi and General Mohammad Pakpour to top roles.

An Israeli military statement said, “The IRGC air force leadership had assembled in an underground command centre preparing to strike Israel. Our strikes neutralised most of them.”

Unconfirmed information:

Iranian media reported that Israeli fighter jets were downed. A female pilot was captured. However, Israeli spokesperson Avichay Adraee denied these claims. The fog of war continues to fuel misinformation on both sides.

Global reactions:

The international community urged restraint. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres posted, “Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail.”

Although Washington denied involvement in Israel’s initial strike, it confirmed aiding Israel’s missile defence. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for “dialogue and diplomacy” to calm tensions.

Trump remarked, “We knew everything, and I tried to save Iran from humiliation and death. They can still work out a deal. It’s not too late.” Trump is still hoping that the upcoming nuclear negotiation with Iran in Oman could proceed even after helping Israel to attack Iran.

Netanyahu vows further strikes:

Netanyahu claimed Israel had destroyed “a large portion” of Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal. He claimed the killing of the top military officials and disabled key enrichment facilities. He said in a statement, “We’ve taken out the Islamic regime’s most significant enrichment facility. More attacks are coming.” He also appealed to the Iranian public: “Unite against your government.”