Israel carried out continuous airstrikes for 40 hours targeting over 150 sites in Iran, including nuclear facilities and military leaders, in the largest offensive since the 1980s. The operation has escalated regional conflict and drawn widespread international condemnation.

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Israel’s Massive 40-Hour Air Campaign Against Iran

In an unprecedented military escalation, Israel conducted nonstop airstrikes against Iran for 40 consecutive hours starting June 13, 2025. According to Brigadier General Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), more than 150 targets were hit, including nuclear sites, senior military commanders, and scientific personnel integral to Iran’s nuclear program. Over 70 fighter jets participated in the operation, which Israeli officials claim gave them control of Iranian airspace and exposed Tehran to direct attack for the first time in decades.

Operation Rising Lion: Striking at the Heart of Iran’s Nuclear and Military Infrastructure

Codenamed “Operation Rising Lion,” the offensive struck multiple locations across Iran, including nuclear enrichment facilities in Natanz, Khondab, and Khorramabad, as well as the residences of high-ranking Revolutionary Guard commanders.

Among the reported casualties were key figures such as IRGC Commander Hossein Salami and Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the operation as “very successful,” asserting it struck “the heart” of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

According to Iran's Press TV, Israeli warplanes bombed a residential building in East #Tehran, saying it seems to be an assassination attempt. pic.twitter.com/Mvz1HilLnq

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 14, 2025

Iranian Retaliation and Regional Escalation

Iran responded swiftly with a large-scale counterattack involving over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones targeting Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Despite Israel’s advanced air defense systems intercepting many projectiles, several missiles caused damage and casualties. The conflict has rapidly intensified, with Iranian officials vowing further retaliation and labeling Israel’s strikes as a “declaration of war.”

International Condemnation and Calls for Restraint

Israel’s aggressive campaign has been widely condemned by global powers including Russia and China, which denounced the strikes as “unprovoked” and “unacceptable.” The United Nations and various nations have called for de-escalation to prevent a broader regional war.

Left-wing analysts emphasize that Israel’s unilateral military aggression not only violates international law but also risks plunging the Middle East into further instability, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic solutions over militarism.

This latest Israeli offensive reflects a pattern of escalating violence aimed at undermining Iran’s sovereignty under the pretext of nuclear nonproliferation. These strikes serve broader geopolitical ambitions of regime change rather than genuine security concerns.

The sustained military pressure threatens to derail any diplomatic efforts and exacerbate humanitarian suffering, calling for renewed international solidarity with Iran’s right to self-defense and peaceful development.

Tel Aviv receives missiles from Iran's Operation True Promise 3 in a third wave, causing extensive damage#TelAviv #Iran #OccupiedPalestine #OperationTruePromise3 pic.twitter.com/RXjGWjh3Ow

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) June 15, 2025

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