Tensions between Israel and Iran date back several years, going back as far as 2010 when the Stuxnet computer virus had been discovered – believed to be a joint US-Israeli creation – which disrupted and destroyed Iranian centrifuges.
Just seven years ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel had significant data showing Iran had covered up its nuclear programme before signing a deal with world powers in 2015.
However, recent tensions that sparked conflict in the Middle East have been created by Israeli strikes on the Iranian capital of Tehran.
In what would become known as “Operation Rising Lion”, Tel Aviv conducted more than a dozen strikes across the Islamic Republic, with precision missile strikes on generals, fighter jet attacks on nuclear sites and Mossad agents infiltrating the state.
Netanyahu said the operations had been successful, and Israel “will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat”.
The strikes dealt significant damage to Iran, including the killings of General Gholam Ali Rashid, the deputy commander-in-chief of Iran’s armed forces, Mohammad Bagheri, who was the highest-ranking military officer in Iran, and Hossein Salami, who was the commander-in-chief of the IRGC.
Israel also killed the commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Force, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and Fereydoon Abbasi, a nuclear scientist.
Salami and Bagheri were killed in the Israeli attacks
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A total of six Iranian nuclear scientists are confirmed to have died.
Iran responded to the three waves of Israeli attacks, which lasted for three hours, by sending 100 drones into Israel.
Fast forward to the evening of June 13, Iran launched their response, sending what the Israeli Defence Forces claim were 200 missiles, with the majority of them being intercepted.
The response from Iran proved to be the catalyst to a night of airstrikes after airstrikes, as Tel Aviv and Tehran unleashed their arsenal at one another.
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Summary of events in the Israel-Iran conflict so far
- Israel launches missile strikes on Iran, killing senior Iranian commanders.
- Iran retaliates, launching missiles towards Israel, injuring over 30 people – the US helps Israel intercept missiles sent from Tehran. An Israeli military official stated Iran fired around 200 ballistic missiles in four barrages.
- Israel responds, targeting over 150 sites, killing around 60 people, including 20 children, in Tehran.
- Israel attacked two nuclear sites, causing significant damage, while Iran fired hundreds of drones towards Israel.
- Lebanon confirmed it will close its airspace this evening from 10:30pm on June 14 to 6am on June 15.
Map shows Israeli strikes on Iran as of June 13 at 15:25pm
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Iran threatens the UK and US against defending Israel
Adding to the tension of the situation, Iran has warned the UK, US and France not to help Israel against Tehran’s strikes on Israel.
Iran said it will attack the three nations’ bases and ships in the region, should they get involved in the defence.
It follows a Downing Street spokeswoman confirming yesterday evening that Sir Keir Starmer had spoken to US President Donald Trump this evening.
Iran and Israel have been dealing each other several threats since yesterday, with Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, warning Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that “Tehran will burn” if it keeps firing missiles at Israeli civilians.
Katz said: “The Iranian dictator is taking the citizens of Iran hostage, bringing about a reality in which they, and especially Tehran’s residents, will pay a heavy price for the flagrant harm inflicted upon Israel’s citizens.
“If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.”
Khamenei stated: “The Zionist regime (Israel) will not remain unscathed from the consequences of its crime. The Iranian nation must be guaranteed that our response will not be half-measured.”
He emphasised that Iran will “inflict heavy blows” on Israel.
