Iran Strikes Back at Israel

On Friday night, the sky above the city of Israel was colorful like a fireworks display on New Year's Eve. Occasionally, explosions could be heard and giant fireworks were visible as two lights met.

Previously, on Friday morning (13/6/2025), Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran. The attack aimed to destroy nuclear facilities and military infrastructure, as well as targeting some residential buildings.

The operation named "Lion Nation" reportedly resulted in the deaths of Major General Hossein Salami, the Supreme Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as nuclear scientists Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.

A total of 86 people were killed and 341 others injured in a massive airstrike launched by Israel in Iranian territory on Friday (13/6). Israel began a large-scale military operation early on Friday (13/6) by deploying approximately 200 fighter jets to bombard facilities related to Iran's nuclear program and long-range missile capabilities.

Smoke billowed in several locations hit by missiles, including in Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, a city near Tel Aviv. Thousands of Israeli residents were evacuated to protective bunkers, and hundreds of citizens were reported injured in this attack.

Chen Gabizon, 30 years old, told AFP that he ran to the underground shelter of the building after receiving a warning notification. "After a few minutes, we heard a very loud explosion, everything shook, smoke, dust, everything was scattered everywhere," he said.

The head of the United Nations called for an end to this escalation of tensions, stating that "peace and diplomacy must prevail." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Iran to cease their attacks on each other while advocating for diplomacy.

"Israel's bombing of Iran's nuclear sites. Iran's missile attack on Tel Aviv. A significant escalation. It is time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail," wrote Guterres on social media X on Saturday, as quoted by AP.

In April 2024, Iran launched an attack on Israeli territory by deploying hundreds of drones and dozens of cruise and ballistic missiles. This marks Iran's first attack from within its own territory. Previously, attacks on Israel were predominantly launched from Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. This assault represents the latest episode in the long-standing hostility between Iran and Israel.

The conflict between these two countries has been ongoing for a long time, at least since the Revolution led by Ruhollah Khomeini that overthrew the Shah and established the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979.

Iran's closeness to Israel was marked by Iran's recognition of Israel's independence in 1948. Iran became the second country to recognize Israel after Egypt. However, the Khomeini revolution, which rejected American influence, turned their relationship into a conflict. For Iran, Israel is seen as an ally of the United States and must be opposed.

The Iran-Israel war has also raised global concerns about the potential outbreak of nuclear war, considering the capabilities of both countries in mastering and utilizing nuclear technology in the field of defense.