Day three of Operation Rising Lion (Am KaLavi) (Sunday): Over 170 targets were struck in Iran, including nuclear facilities; and hundreds of UAVs and missiles were intercepted. Israeli leaders declare: “Tehran will pay a heavy price.” Trump declares: “There will be peace between Israel and Iran.”
IDF Power: Depth of Strikes, Scale of Damage, and Significant Achievements
Since the night hours, hundreds of Israeli fighter jets launched sustained attacks across Iran, targeting more than 170 locations nationwide, primarily infrastructure related to the nuclear program. Among the destroyed targets: the main uranium enrichment facility, missile sites, radar systems, and advanced weapons development locations.
Surface-to-air missile launcher in Tehran struck: pic.twitter.com/vTFoO9n2Ak
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 15, 2025
Spokesperson: Major Intelligence and Air Force Commanders Eliminated
The IDF Spokesperson reported that one of the main accomplishments was the elimination of the IRGC intelligence chief and his deputy, along with Iranian Air Force Commander Amir-Ali Hajizadeh and seven other senior officers. The most distant strike was conducted 2,300 km from Israel, destroying an Iranian refueling aircraft near Mashhad in eastern Iran.
The IDF emphasizes that the goal is “to deprive Iran of its critical capabilities,” and the operation continues according to plan and the strike pace set in coordination with the Security Cabinet.
Israeli Defense: Precise Interceptions and Real-Time Alerts
Hundreds of UAVs and missiles have been launched at Israel from overnight through the past several hours. The IDF reports that most were intercepted mid-air with the assistance of the Air Force, Air Defense Array, and Navy. Among the impacted areas: Haifa, Bat Yam, and the North—where dozens of injured were evacuated, including those suffering from shock and smoke inhalation.
Home Front Command continues to instruct the public to stay near protected spaces and avoid gatherings. However, some areas have cautiously returned to routine. Rescue forces and Home Front Command teams remain active at impact zones, working diligently with advanced technologies for scanning and rescue.
Leaders Speak: Strong Messages from the Political Echelon
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his visit to the impact site in Bat Yam, declared: “Iran will pay a very heavy price for the murder of civilians. We are on the path to victory.” Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized during a situational assessment: “Tehran has become Beirut—continue peeling the snake’s skin.”
President Herzog and Minister Gideon Sa’ar also expressed unequivocal support for the IDF’s operations. Sa’ar stated: “Without the Prime Minister’s leadership, Operation Rising Lion would not have been launched. He deserves the credit.”
I told @biannagolodryga on @CNN:
We learned from our history that when someone says they want to eliminate the Jewish people, take them at their word and take all necessary steps to prevent them from fulfilling their goal. pic.twitter.com/l58Cx5dC3c— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) June 15, 2025
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the situation, declaring: “There will be peace—soon—between Israel and Iran,” and hinted at future international mediation. He added, “Even if I don’t get credit—the people understand.”
