Iran’s state-owned news agency IRNA reported that Iranian forces shot down two Israeli fighter jets during a major Israeli airstrike on its territory. In retaliation, Iran launched a wave of missile strikes, dubbed Operation Severe Punishment, targeting Israeli cities, escalating the ongoing conflict, as reported by IRNA.
IRNA claimed that Iranian air defences downed two Israeli jets amid Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which targeted nuclear and military sites. However, no independent sources, such as Reuters or BBC, have confirmed this claim as of 09:16 PM PDT, June 13, 2025. Iran also reported launching “hypersonic” missile strikes on Israel, though international reports specify ballistic missiles, with over 100 fired at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Israeli authorities reported one civilian death in Ramat Gan and 41 injuries, with damage to residential and military sites. Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow systems intercepted many missiles, but some struck central Tel Aviv, per The Washington Post. Israeli police deployed tactical teams to secure areas and neutralise missile debris.
Iran SHOOTS DOWN 2 Israeli jets, captures female pilot – Tasnim News
IDF spokesman calls report ‘completely baseless’ pic.twitter.com/mUEgxobnAM
— RT (@RT_com) June 13, 2025Context: Israel’s Airstrikes on Iran
Iran’s actions followed Israel’s airstrikes on June 13, which hit Natanz, Isfahan, and IRGC headquarters, killing commanders like Hossein Salami and Mohammad Bagheri, and 78 civilians, per Tasnim News Agency. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes as a preemptive move against Iran’s nuclear program, which Iran insists is civilian. The IAEA noted Iran’s non-proliferation breach on June 12, 2025, but no evidence supports an active weapons program.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed pleas for moderation, rejecting a call from British Foreign Secretary David Lammy to show restraint, per Iran’s foreign ministry. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a “crushing response,” signaling further escalation. Newly appointed IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour echoed this, promising severe retaliation.
International and Regional Impact
The UN Security Council met at Iran’s request, with Iran claiming Israel’s strikes violated international law. Russia and China condemned Israel, while the U.S. supported Israel’s self-defense rights, though President Donald Trump urged a nuclear deal, per Reuters. Crude oil prices rose 5%, reflecting fears of regional disruption, but OPEC reported no supply changes.
Read: Iran’s Missile Strike on Israel: Retaliation for Airstrikes
In Israel, civilians sheltered as sirens blared, while in Iran, panic drove currency exchanges and flight attempts. A Houthi missile from Yemen injured three Palestinian children in Hebron, per the Palestinian Red Crescent, showing the conflict’s regional spread.
The unconfirmed claim of downed jets and hypersonic missiles requires independent verification. The conflict risks further escalation, with both nations signaling continued action.
