Israel Iran War: IDF Targets Oil Depots, Nuclear Archive Site, Over 80 Killed; 9 Dead, 300 Injured in Israel after Iran Retaliates

Israel conducted a major aerial strike on Iran’s nuclear and defense infrastructure on June 13th. The 24-hour operation hit 100-plus civilian and military sites. This brought Israel to the doorstep of war with Iran; according to reports, they hit multi-function targets within Iran. These targets included the Iranian Ministry of Defence headquarters in Tehran, at least four uranium enrichment facilities (including Natanz); and several IRGC command centers, including the IRGC strategically within Iran’s nuclear establishment. Israeli sources stated that this strike was a “rollback of the Iranian threat to the very survival (of Israel).” The government of Iran said there were mass casualties on their side, including high-ranking officials such as IRGC commander Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and several nuclear scientists. 

Iran’s Strike Back 

On 14th June, the IRGC and Iranian military directed missile (over at least ten launchers) and missile drone strikes across Israel. Among the cities hit were Tel Aviv, Haifa, Bat Yam, Rehovot, and the Galilee region. According to all official accounts, at least eight Israeli civilians—most notably a ten-year-old boy—and hundreds of other individuals were injured as a result of the attacks. 

Critical Infrastructure Damaged

Israel's assaults in Iran also caused damage to civilian and energy targets. Multiple oil depots in Shahran and southern Tehran, as well as the South Pars natural gas field, were set ablaze following Israeli attacks. This led to partial closures of Iran's largest gas production facility, with subsequent damage resulting from the fires caused by the initial attacks and from the facilities having to shut down. Satellite imagery displays significant damage and material destruction at some nuclear-affiliated site; however, radiation levels are said to be intact.

Political Aftershock and Regional Anxiety

Diplomatic dialogues have also collapsed: negotiations over Iran's nuclear program scheduled in Oman were canceled, with Iran withdrawing in response to "barbaric" actions by Israel. Added to international unease, countries as varied as China and Australia have called for de-escalation, while Australia has also closed its embassies and asked its citizens to leave. Added to Iran's mental anguish is the clarity of US Northwest Asian support, including assistance in the missile defense of Israel, which is enabling and increasing the effectiveness of Israeli missile interception.

Leadership Prepares for Extended Conflict

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue offensive operations “as many days as it takes” to destroy Iran's nuclear capacity. In response, Israel has lived up to their reputation for military aggressiveness by warning of harsher and wider responses if attacks continue.

Death Toll and Wider Conflict Risks

Iran's death toll is currently reported to be over 78 on the first day of Israeli strikes. Casualties included civilians and military personnel.