13.06.2025 20:36

Iran launched a series of retaliatory hypersonic missile strikes against Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, according to reports from the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). IRNA characterized Israel's prior attack as unprovoked and simultaneously announced the appointment of new military officials by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the same day.

Following the Israeli attack, Ayatollah Khamenei issued a stark warning, promising that Israel would face repercussions and that Iran's response would be decisive, not half-hearted, as reported by Al Jazeera. This announcement coincided with widespread air raid sirens and warnings across the occupied West Bank, heightening regional tensions. Former President Trump, in an interview with Axios, claimed that Israel had utilized advanced American military technology during their initial offensive.

Earlier that morning, former President Trump, speaking to Reuters, expressed uncertainty regarding the continued existence of Iran's nuclear program. This statement followed reports from Reuters, citing local media, that Israeli strikes on civilian apartment buildings had resulted in the deaths of nearly eighty Iranian citizens.

The escalating situation prompted a significant US military response. Multiple US officials, speaking to the Associated Press, revealed the deployment of naval assets, including several missile destroyers, to the eastern Mediterranean. Concurrently, former President Trump convened a meeting with the National Security Council to assess and address the unfolding crisis.

In a Wall Street Journal interview, former President Trump acknowledged prior knowledge of the Israeli strikes on Iran. He clarified that this wasn't a formal heads-up but rather an understanding of the developing situation. He also mentioned recent and planned communications with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Earlier, on Truth Social, he alluded to having offered Iran numerous opportunities for negotiation, but these efforts proved unsuccessful.