Iran–Israel War Escalates: Massive Strikes & Dozens of Top Commanders Killed

       Israel intercepts Iranian missiles over Tel Aviv following strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military leadership.

Iran–Israel War Escalates: Massive Strikes & Dozens of Top Commanders Killed

​​By M Muzamil Shami - June 14, 2025

Iran–Israel War Escalates After Strikes Kill Dozens of Iranian Commanders

JERUSALEM / TEHRAN — In a dramatic escalation of the long-simmering Iran–Israel conflict, Israel launched a massive air assault targeting Iranian nuclear and military leadership, killing dozens of senior commanders—prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes at Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The attack has heightened fears of a full-blown regional war.

Israel’s Preemptive Strike on Iran

Targets: Key Nuclear Sites & Military Commanders

1. On June 13, Israel unleashed “Operation Rising Lion,” deploying over 200 aircraft and striking approximately 100 targets, including the Natanz nuclear facility

2. At least 78 civilians and 20+ senior Iranian military leaders—including Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, Ali Shamkhani, and Esmail Qaani—are confirmed dead

Destruction at Natanz Without Radiation Spike

1. Iran admitted that its Natanz site suffered heavy damage, while the IAEA reported radiation levels remained unchanged, drawing a narrow line in the nuclear fallout

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Iran’s Missile Retaliation Targets Tel Aviv & Jerusalem

Hundreds of Missiles Fired, Some Penetrated Iron Dome

1. Iran unleashed a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones targeting central Israel, prompting sirens and hitting military headquarters, including Tel Aviv’s Kiryat

2. While most projectiles were intercepted, three Iranian missiles struck, causing three Israeli fatalities and dozens of injuries, according to reports .

Airspace Closures & Civilian Scares

1. Multiple countries—including Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria—closed their airspace. Civil defense measures remain in place, and thousands sheltered overnight .

What This Means: Risk of Regional War

1. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the campaign will continue as long as required to counter “the Iranian nuclear threat” .

2. Iran formally called Israel’s strikes “a declaration of war,” while Supreme Leader Khamenei threatened Israel with “ruin” .

3. U.S. President Trump, while acknowledging Israeli planning input, affirmed no direct U.S. role, but backed Israel's "excellent" operation

Global Anxiety & Oil Market Fallout

1. UN Secretary-General Guterres and Pope Leo XIV urged immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy

2. Oil prices surged near $75/barrel before dipping—fears of a broader regional conflict affecting supply through the Strait of Hormuz are increasing .

FAQs:

Q1: Who were the high-ranking Iranians killed?
A1: Top officials killed include IRGC commander Hossein Salami, armed forces chief Bagheri, missile head Hajizadeh, security advisor Shamkhani, and Quds Force leader Esmail Qaani .

Q2: How severe was Iran’s retaliation?
A2: Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones; several strikes breached air defenses, resulting in Israeli casualties and infrastructure damage .

Q3: Could the conflict expand regionally?
A3: Analysts warn of spillover from allied groups like Hezbollah, and proxy involvement, heightening the risk of a full regional war .

Q4: What’s next for diplomacy?
A4: Scheduled nuclear talks in Oman are likely canceled. Diplomatic efforts by the UN and major powers continue amid calls for urgent restraint .

Do you think this conflict will spiral into a wider war or stabilize soon?
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