Iranian Ballistic Missile Strikes on Israel’s Capital over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

Iranian Ballistic Missile Strikes on Israel’s Capital over  Tel Aviv and Jerusalem— [Washington, June 14, 2025]

On Friday night, the skies over Israel’s Tel Aviv and Jerusalem shook with explosions as hundreds of ballistic missiles launched from Iran rained down on the cities. The Israeli military confirmed that this was a direct retaliatory strike in response to Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Iran's Response and Claimed Damage

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that the missile barrage was in retaliation for “the largest airstrike in Israel’s history.” The attack reportedly destroyed multiple strategic targets, including the underground nuclear facility in Natanz. Tehran claims that several top military commanders were killed, although no confirmed casualties were immediately reported.

Israel has named this counteroffensive operation “Operation Rising Lion.” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused Israel of initiating a full-scale war.

International Reactions and Trump’s Warning

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning:

“Make a deal, Iran, or nothing will be left.”
He stated that the scheduled U.S.-Iran nuclear talks on Sunday are still officially on the calendar, though their actual occurrence is now uncertain.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:

“We knew everything. I left no stone unturned to protect Iran.”

Explosions Inside Iran and Widening Conflict

On Friday evening, multiple explosions were reported across Tehran, Qom, and Isfahan. Iran activated its air defense systems in Tehran, and another nuclear facility in Isfahan was reportedly struck by Israeli forces.

Leadership Decapitation: Major Blow to Iran’s Command

According to regional intelligence sources, Israel targeted Iran’s military leadership. At least 20 senior military officials, six top nuclear scientists, and the commander of the Revolutionary Guards were reportedly killed.

Among the dead:

• Major General Mohammad Bagheri – Chief of the Armed Forces

• Hossein Salami – Commander of the Revolutionary Guards

• Six senior nuclear scientists

The newly appointed Revolutionary Guards commander, Major General Mohammad Pakpour, wrote a letter to Khamenei, stating:

“The gates of hell will open for the child-killing Israeli government.”

Public Panic and Divided Sentiment

A woman awakened by the blast in Natanz described the chaos:

“People ran out of their homes. There was panic everywhere. No one knew what was happening.”

Some believe this assault might trigger the downfall of Iran’s strict religious leadership. Others continue to express unwavering loyalty to the government.

Ali, a member of the Basij militia, said:

“I will fight and die to protect our nuclear rights. America and Israel cannot stop us.”

Destruction, Civilian Casualties, and War Crimes Allegations

Iranian media aired footage showing destroyed buildings, dust-covered apartment blocks, and crying, injured civilians.
At least 80 civilians were killed and over 300 injured, raising the possibility of international war crimes allegations.