Iran Retaliates with Ballistic Missiles at Israel and Exchange of Fire Begins

Iran launched ballistic missiles at “dozens of targets, military centres and airbases” in Israel, a retaliatory operation called True Promise 3, which began ongoing exchange of fire between the two countries.

Israel’s Iron Dome defense system was not able to stop all of Iran’s attack, which especially focused on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Israel launched air strikes at Tehran. The situation devolved into ongoing air strikes by the two countries at each other.

The next round of talks about Iran’s nuclear program was due to begin 15 June. That was cancelled.

In general, Israeli rhetoric insisted Iran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons which would be an existential threat to Israel. Iranian rhetoric was that their nuclear program has nothing to do with building a bomb and is only about domestic use such as energy generation. Each country is now furious at the other.

The USA advised its citizens in Israel to shelter in place or leave, and citizens are advised not to travel there. USA Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the USA was not involved in and did not provide assistance for Israel’s strike. CBS reported that Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump flung threats at Iran, telling them to accept a deal about their nuclear program or face slaughter. He said everyone in Tehran should evacuate and he left a meeting of the G7 early.

The USA moved B2 bombers into strategic positions and sent KC-125 and KC-146 aerial refueling tankers to the Middle East.

Several countries expressed alarm at the situation. A few such as Oman, which has mediated talks between the USA and Iran about the latter’s nuclear program, held Israel responsible for this dangerous escalation.

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