Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran

Tehran, Jun 13: In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Israel launched massive airstrikes on Iran early Friday, targeting over 100 locations and reportedly killing three of Iran’s top military commanders. The offensive has triggered a fierce response from Tehran, which launched over 100 drones toward Israeli territory.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Effie Defrin confirmed the pre-dawn strikes, stating that over 200 fighter jets deployed 330 precision munitions on key Iranian military sites. Among the targets were the hideouts of high-ranking officials.

Killed in the strikes were General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's armed forces chief of staff; Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); and Gholam Ali Rashid, head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

Shortly after, Iran responded with a retaliatory drone attack. Israeli media reported that the drones would take several hours to reach Israeli airspace, giving defense systems time to intercept them.

"This operation will continue until we eliminate the threat to Israel's survival," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a televised address, calling it a "targeted military operation" against Iranian aggression.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the action as a "preemptive strike" and declared a national state of emergency to ensure public safety.

Iranian state media reported multiple explosions across Tehran during the early morning hours, raising speculation that nuclear facilities might have been among the Israeli targets. However, Iran has not officially confirmed the damage or casualties.

The offensive marks one of the most significant escalations in recent years, deepening fears of a broader conflict in the already volatile Middle East.