Daijiworld Media Network- Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jun 13: Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically as Iran launched a massive retaliatory drone strike against Israel, firing approximately 100 drones on Friday following Israel’s surprise offensive on key Iranian nuclear and military facilities.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed to AFP that it is actively intercepting the aerial threats using advanced air defense systems, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling. The wave of drones comes hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally announced the launch of Operation Rising Lion, a targeted campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.
In a televised address, PM Netanyahu said, “We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme. We targeted the main facility in Natanz and took out key figures leading the Iranian bomb and ballistic missile projects. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to eliminate this existential threat.”
Among the high-value targets reportedly struck were Iranian nuclear scientists and military leadership. Iranian state television reported that over 50 people were injured in the Israeli strikes, including women and children. More notably, several senior Iranian figures—including Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami and military chief Mohammad Bagheri—are believed to have been killed.
In swift retaliation, Iran launched a coordinated drone assault targeting Israeli territory. Military analysts described the move as one of the largest drone offensives seen in the region to date. While the IDF has moved quickly to intercept the drones, the full extent of damage or injuries within Israel remains unconfirmed at this time.
With air-raid sirens wailing across Israeli cities and Iran vowing further retribution, fears are mounting over the potential for full-scale regional conflict. The global community has urged restraint, with the United Nations and key world powers calling for an immediate ceasefire and return to diplomatic negotiations.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump—who earlier claimed advance knowledge of Israel’s attack—reiterated that “Iran must never possess a nuclear bomb,” while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “The United States was not involved in the strike and remains focused on the safety of American personnel in the region.”
With Netanyahu vowing that Israel’s campaign “will continue for as many days as it takes” and Iran signaling more retaliation, the region stands at a tipping point. The world watches anxiously as two of the most volatile players in the Middle East engage in direct military confrontation, raising the specter of a broader conflict with far-reaching implications.
As the dust settles from the initial salvos of Operation Rising Lion, both nations appear to be bracing for a protracted and high-stakes standoff.