Iran launches massive missile strikes at Israel

WebDesk: June 14, 2025, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles estimated at nearly 100 in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes that targeted nuclear and military facilities in Iran. The Israeli strikes had reportedly destroyed Natanz’s above-ground enrichment plant and other key sites, killing approximately 78 people—including senior generals and prominent nuclear scientists—and wounding over 320, according to Iranian sources.

Trump Praises Strikes on Iran, Warns ‘More to Come’

Former President Donald Trump lauded Israel’s operation as “excellent,” warning that “a lot more” could follow unless Iran seizes the opportunity to negotiate. He emphasized that the strikes might hasten a nuclear deal: “They should now come to the table…before it’s too late”

Top Iranian Generals and Scientists Killed

Reported fatalities include:

• Major General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard
• Major General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of Iran’s armed forces staff
• Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, commander of the Khatam-al Anbiya headquarters. Several top commanders in IRGC’s aerospace and drone divisions.
• At least nine senior nuclear scientists, including Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi.

Divided Reactions Within Iran

Reactions among Iranians reveal a stark divide:

• Hardliners—including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei—denounced Israel’s actions as an act of war, with Khamenei vowing a powerful retaliation that would not be “half-measured”.
• Proponents of firm response: Brigadier General Pakpour and other IRGC leaders promised the “gates of hell” would open on Israel.
• Skeptical voices: Some ordinary Iranians, frightened by the escalation and economic strain, cautiously hoped for regime change or diplomatic resolution. “People…were all terrified,” reported one resident.
• Yet others rallied behind the government, declaring a readiness to “fight and die” to protect Iran’s nuclear program.

Looking Ahead

The U.S. military reportedly helped intercept Iranian missiles en route to Israel. As global leaders urge restraint, the latest exchange underscores how quickly the region teeters toward a broader, more volatile confrontation. Whether diplomatic efforts or further military provocations will prevail remains uncertain.