Iran has launched over 100 drones toward Israel following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites—a major escalation that threatens to ignite a broader regional conflict.
At a Glance
- Israel carried out Operation Rising Lion, striking approximately 100 Iranian sites, including nuclear facilities and senior commanders
- Israel deployed around 200 fighter jets in the early morning raids
- Iran responded by launching more than 100 drones toward Israel, all intercepted before entering its airspace
- High-ranking Iranian officials, including IRGC Chief Hossein Salami and Military Head Mohammad Bagheri, were killed
- Markets surged: Brent crude prices spiked, reflecting fears over regional stability
A Major Pre‑Emptive Strike
In the early hours of June 13, Israel launched a sweeping military operation code‑named Operation Rising Lion, deploying over 200 aircraft to hit Iranian nuclear enrichment sites in Natanz and key military positions in Tehran. The campaign targeted ballistic missile infrastructure and command centers. According to The Jerusalem Post, the operation resulted in the deaths of senior military leaders, including IRGC Commander Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri.
Israel described the strikes as a preventive measure in response to intelligence indicating Iran’s imminent nuclear weapons capability. International reaction has been swift, with calls for restraint from key global actors.
Drone Retaliation and Regional Fallout
In retaliation, Iran launched more than 100 drones aimed at Israeli targets. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that all drones were intercepted before they reached Israeli territory. According to Reuters, regional defense systems in Jordan and Iraq were also activated during the drone wave, underscoring the growing risk of spillover.
Watch a report: Israel-Iran Drone Exchange Explained.
Economic Shock and Global Risk
Markets reacted sharply to the escalation. CNBC reported that Brent crude prices surged over 7%, driven by fears of instability in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil supply passes. Meanwhile, gold and U.S. Treasury bonds saw gains as investors fled to safe-haven assets.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that Iran had violated safeguards agreements, citing undeclared nuclear material and restricted inspector access.
What Comes Next
The international community is urging de-escalation, but both nations appear poised for continued confrontation. Iran’s leadership vowed “severe punishment” in response to Israel’s strikes, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military remains “fully prepared for all scenarios,” according to The Times of Israel.
Diplomatic channels remain strained, and analysts warn the situation could deteriorate rapidly into a broader regional war if retaliatory cycles intensify. With nuclear facilities, proxy militias, and commercial shipping lanes now entangled in the dispute, global consequences could extend far beyond the Middle East.
