On June 14, 2025, Iranian state television IRIB announced that Iran would launch "devastating strikes" on Israel in the coming hours in response to Israel's Operation Rising Lion, which began on the night of June 13. This was reported by RIA Novosti, citing Iranian media. Tehran called the Israeli attacks "an act of state terrorism" and promised a "decisive and proportionate" response. Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeed Iravani said the strikes would target Israeli military and strategic facilities, including air bases and possibly Ben Gurion Airport.

Operation Rising Lion began with massive Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz and Isfahan centers. According to the IDF, more than 200 aircraft attacked over 150 targets, destroying up to 40 air defense installations and ballistic missile depots. Key IRGC figures, including commander Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, were killed, as were six nuclear scientists. Iranian media reported 78 dead and more than 320 wounded, including civilians. The IAEA confirmed damage to the Isfahan nuclear facility but said radiation levels remained normal.

In response, Iran launched Operation True Promise 3, firing around 200 ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. The strikes hit Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where 40 people were injured, and four people were killed in central Israel, according to Reuters. Most of the missiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome and David's Sling systems, but up to 80% of the missiles hit their targets, including the Nevatim air base, according to Iran's Shafaqna news agency. The IDF denies causing significant damage to military infrastructure.

Iranian television did not provide details of the upcoming strikes, but CNN reported that Tehran could use hypersonic missiles and hundreds of drones.