Iran Vows Strong Response to Israel’s Deadly Airstrikes in 2025

Iran has promised a robust retaliation following Israel’s airstrikes on June 12, 2025, which targeted military and nuclear facilities across the country. The attacks, described as a significant escalation, resulted in the deaths of senior military commanders and nuclear scientists, prompting strong condemnation from Iranian leadership.

Israel’s military operation, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” struck multiple sites, including residential areas and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) headquarters in Tehran. According to Tasnim News Agency, the strikes killed IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, Senior IRGC Commander Gholam Ali Rashid, and nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi. Iran’s state television reported explosions across Tehran, with air defences activated to counter the assault.

🟥 بيان الإمام الخامنئي إلى الشعب الإيراني العظيم عقب جريمة الكيان الصهيوني فجر اليوم pic.twitter.com/pGHQfs4tbN

— إيران بالعربية (@iraninarabic_ir) June 13, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes aimed to neutralise Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, describing them as a response to Iran’s prior ballistic missile attacks on Israel.

Iran’s Vow of Retaliation

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attacks, vowing “severe punishment” for Israel. “The Zionist regime has set itself for a bitter and painful fate,” he said, accusing Israel of targeting civilian areas. Iran’s Foreign Ministry asserted its “legal and legitimate right” to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter, emphasising the nation’s intent to defend itself.

General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, declared that Israel “will pay a heavy price” and should expect a “strong response.” The IRGC echoed this sentiment, promising “harsh and regrettable revenge” for the killing of its leaders.

عاجل | وزارة الخارجيّة السعودية:

– نعلن إدانتنا واستنكارنا الشديد للاعتداءات الإسرائيلية السافرة تجاه الجمهورية الإسلامية الإيرانية الشقيقة

– الاعتداءات الإسرائيلية تمس سيادة الجمهورية الإيرانية وأمنها وتمثل انتهاكاً ومخالفة صريحة للقوانين والأعراف الدولية pic.twitter.com/7OO7jzFtzq

— إيران بالعربية (@iraninarabic_ir) June 13, 2025

Iran’s Foreign Ministry claimed the United States bears responsibility for Israel’s actions, alleging the strikes required U.S. coordination and approval. “The U.S. is responsible for the dangerous impact and consequences of the Zionist regime’s adventurism,” the ministry stated. However, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, clarified that the U.S. was not involved, describing Israel’s actions as “unilateral” and in self-defence.

Read: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Chief Hossein Salami Killed in Israeli Strike

The airstrikes have heightened fears of a broader Middle East conflict. The United Nations, through Secretary-General António Guterres, condemned the escalation and urged restraint to avoid deeper conflict, particularly noting concerns over strikes on nuclear facilities. Oman, set to host U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, criticised Israel’s actions as a threat to regional stability.

Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia condemned the strikes as violations of international law, while the U.S. and Israel’s allies emphasised Israel’s right to self-defence. Iran’s weakened military position, following prior Israeli strikes in October 2024, raises concerns about its capacity to respond effectively.