In an unprecedented escalation, Israel launched a series of massive airstrikes on Iran early Friday morning in what it dubbed “Operation Rising Lion“, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. The offensive, carried out with hundreds of precision-guided munitions, marks the most significant Israeli military operation against Iran to date. Let’s discover different aspects of the Israel-Iran War.
13 June, 2025
Massive Strikes on Strategic Facilities
The Israeli Air Force struck deep into Iranian territory, hitting critical sites including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, ballistic missile production plants, and command centers across Tehran, Qom, and Isfahan province. The Israeli government claims the strikes were preemptive, aimed at stopping Iran’s nuclear program from reaching a “point of no return.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared the operation a “resounding success,” asserting that it had “severely degraded Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities.” He emphasized that Israel was forced to act due to intelligence indicating Iran’s imminent readiness to assemble a nuclear device.
High-Level Iranian Casualties
The attack killed several prominent Iranian figures, including:
- Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC),
- Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces,
- Nuclear scientists Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.
Civilian casualties were also reported near some urban military targets, though exact numbers remain unverified due to communications disruptions in several areas.
Iran Responds: “A Bloody Crime Will Not Go Unanswered”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli attack as “a wicked and bloody crime,” vowing a “bitter and decisive response.”
In a nationally televised address, Khamenei stated:
“The Zionist regime has crossed a red line. The blood of our martyrs, both military and scientific, will not be shed in vain. The retaliation will be calculated and unforgettable.”
The IRGC issued a high alert across the country, placing air defense units and missile forces on standby. While no full-scale military counterstrike has yet been launched, Iranian drones have reportedly been repositioned, and radar installations along the Gulf coast have gone active.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani accused Israel of committing an “act of war” and warned that “the geography of reprisal will not be limited to the Israeli borders.”
Regional and Global Fallout
U.S. officials confirmed that Washington had no part in the Israeli operation. President Trump, speaking at a press conference, said the attack could “seriously undermine ongoing diplomatic channels” with Tehran, including the fragile backchannel nuclear negotiations that had recently resumed.
As a precaution, the United States and several Gulf countries raised threat levels at bases across Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Israel was closed to civilian air traffic. Major airlines including Emirates, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines rerouted flights. Oil prices surged 8% within hours of the attack as traders feared disruption in Persian Gulf energy exports.
Iranian Drone Swarm Heading Toward Israel
Israeli media and the IDF report that Iran has launched over 100 drones toward Israeli territory this morning. IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed:
“Iran launched approximately 100 UAVs towards Israeli territory, which we are working to intercept” (ynetnews.com).
Air defense systems have been fully activated, and interception operations are currently underway.
IDF Response & Measures
- Multiple layers of Israeli air defenses—including Patriot and Iron Dome systems—are currently in action to neutralize the drone incursion (i24news.tv).
- Sirens have sounded in parts of Israel, with citizens advised to remain near shelters and follow directions from the Home Front Command .
- Airspace closures over Israel and neighboring countries are continuing amid the threat (apnews.com).
Iran’s Calculated Retaliation
This drone salvo marks Iran’s first direct aerial response to Israel’s Operation Rising Lion strikes on its nuclear and military infrastructure. Tehran had previously warned of a “harsh and painful” reprisal (apnews.com).
What Comes Next?
- Intercept continued threat – Israeli defense systems remain active; civilian alerts persist.
- Potential drone penetration – any successful drones could target sensitive military or civilian infrastructure.
- Escalation risk – further Iranian waves (missiles, drones) or proxy actions via Hezbollah or others are possible.
- Diplomatic pressure – global leaders are intensifying calls for de-escalation amid soaring oil prices and disrupted air travel.
The Israeli airstrikes on Iran and the subsequent Iranian drone retaliation offer several profound lessons for the Muslim Ummah and raise urgent questions about the delay in forming a functional Muslim military alliance.
Lessons for the Muslim Ummah
1. Disunity Breeds Vulnerability
Despite Iran being a significant Muslim-majority state, the broader Muslim world is divided by sectarianism, nationalism, and rivalries. This fragmentation allows external powers (like Israel or the West) to operate militarily within Muslim lands with minimal coordinated response from the rest of the Ummah.
Lesson: Until the Muslim world overcomes internal divisions, no one nation can stand alone against coordinated threats.
2. Strategic Dependence Weakens Sovereignty
Many Muslim nations rely heavily on Western defense umbrellas, bases, or intelligence support (e.g., CENTCOM, NATO), making them hesitant to act independently—even in the face of threats to fellow Muslim countries.
Lesson: A truly sovereign defense posture requires indigenous capabilities and trust among Muslim states.
3. Proxy Rivalries Overrule Collective Security
Rather than building a united front, Muslim countries often invest in rival proxy networks (e.g., Gulf-Iran tensions played out in Yemen, Syria, Iraq), weakening any unified military doctrine or alliance.
Lesson: Proxy conflicts must be de-escalated to enable collective security cooperation.
Why Is the Muslim Military Alliance Delayed?
Several factors are at play:
1. Political Divisions and Distrust
- Saudi Arabia vs Iran
- Qatar vs UAE/Egypt (until recently)
- Turkey’s independent military agenda
These tensions create deep-seated mistrust, making joint command structures almost impossible under current leaderships.
2. Sectarian Politics
- Sunni-Shia rivalries are still manipulated for domestic legitimacy or geopolitical advantage.
- Iran’s exclusion (or isolation) from most pan-Islamic defense talks reflects the difficulty of transcending sectarian narratives.
3. External Pressures
Western powers discourage a unified Muslim military alliance, fearing it could challenge regional military hegemony (U.S. in Gulf, Russia in Syria, NATO in Mediterranean).
4. Lack of Strategic Vision
- OIC remains largely symbolic with no real enforcement or defense mechanism.
- The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), based in Saudi Arabia, is more about political posturing than operational readiness, and notably excludes Iran and key Muslim militaries like Turkey.
The Way Forward
- Shift from sectarian alignment to strategic unity: The Ummah must prioritize Maslaha (common good) over ideology.
- Reform and empower OIC to serve as more than a diplomatic forum.
- Institutionalize a joint military command with rotating leadership and inclusive structure (Sunni, Shia, Arab, non-Arab).
- Develop independent intelligence and defense industries, free from Western reliance.
Final Thought
The Israeli attack shows how a well-organized state with clear strategic aims can act decisively—even against formidable opponents. The Muslim world, with its vast population, wealth, and geography, has the potential to deter aggression—but only if united by purpose and prepared in defense.
“Indeed, this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.”
— Qur’an 21:92
But unity demands will, wisdom, and selflessness—qualities that must now rise in the face of shared trials.
14 June, 2025
Iranian Missiles Rain Down on Israel
Missile Strikes on Tel Aviv & Jerusalem
- In retaliation for Israel’s pre-dawn assault on Iranian targets, Tehran launched a massive missile barrage late Friday into Saturday. Missiles rained down on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, triggering air raid sirens. Explosions were reported across both cities (theguardian.com).
- Israeli officials confirm dozens of missiles were launched, with the majority intercepted—though a few reached urban areas, causing damage and injuries, including at least one confirmed death in Tel Aviv and several wounded in Rishon LeZion (washingtonpost.com).
Strikes in Tehran
- Explosions were heard early Saturday in northern Tehran, including at Mehrabad Airport, following reports of fresh Israeli strikes on Iranian soil (theguardian.com).
Leadership Messages
Iran
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned Israel’s attack would trigger the “gates of hell,” signaling that retaliation is far from over (theguardian.com).
- Commander statements claim this counterattack is part of “Operation True Promise III,” targeting both military and urban centers (en.wikipedia.org).
Israel
- Prime Minister Netanyahu responded defiantly: “More is on the way,” declaring that Israel’s campaign to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities has only just begun (theguardian.com).
What’s Happening Now & What to Expect
- Two-way air and missile exchanges continue: Iran targets Israeli population centers, while Israel targets key sites in Iran, including nuclear and military infrastructure .
- Civilian areas impacted: Confirmed civilian casualties in both countries and structural damage in residential neighborhoods (reuters.com).
- Risks of broader escalation: With both leaders threatening further actions, and international actors (U.S., UN, regional governments) urging restraint, the conflict could widen—especially if proxy forces join .
Situation Summary
| Side | Action | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | Launched missiles at Tel Aviv & Jerusalem | Casualties, damage, disrupted airspace |
| Israel | Launched new airstrikes in Tehran | Explosions near key military & civilian targets |
| Leaders | Both vow more strikes ahead | Heightened regional and global tensions |
This conflict has entered a dangerous new phase with direct exchanges of fire, civilian harm, and escalating rhetoric. Regional stability remains at risk, and global players are watching closely for signs of deeper escalation.
Summary
- Iran launched ~100 drones at Israel, marking a direct military escalation (theguardian.com, theguardian.com).
- Israel’s air defenses are fully engaged, working to intercept the incoming swarm (ynetnews.com).
- The situation remains highly volatile, with the possibility of further retaliation and heightened regional involvement.
Stay alert for additional updates as the IDF confirms further interceptions or any breaches
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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