Great East in Flames: Iran Launches Massive Assault on Israel Amid Regional Upheaval
Tehran Declares “End of Patience”: Iran Threatens Israel with Nuclear Retaliation
By Celio Azevedo, Voice of America Express & Rock News Network | Special Report
The world held its breath today as the Islamic Republic of Iran declared that its strategic missile forces had been placed on “full nuclear readiness”, in response to what it claims were coordinated cross-border attacks launched by Israel and facilitated by Pakistani intelligence assets.
In a rare live broadcast, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a stern and symbolic warning:
“Our sacred patience has ended. If Tehran is touched again, Tel Aviv and Islamabad may be reduced to smoke. Our nuclear arsenal is not decorative. It is decisive.”
The Night Deterrence Died
While no nuclear weapons have been launched, the language and posture from all sides have escalated to levels not seen since the Cuban Missile Crisis. Israel reportedly struck Iranian infrastructure near Mashhad using precision munitions, possibly in cooperation with regional assets. In parallel, Iran accused Pakistan of sheltering anti-Iranian militias near the Sistan-Baluchestan border and supplying “logistical corridors for Zionist operations.”
In retaliation, Iran moved mobile Shahab-5 long-range missile systems into visible launch positions, signaling what analysts have called “intentional destabilization through display.”
“The Iranians are not just threatening a response — they are broadcasting a doctrine,” said General David L. Kravitz, retired U.S. military strategist. “It’s not war. It’s post-diplomatic theater.”
Israel and Pakistan on High Alert
Israel immediately activated its “Blue Jericho” emergency response system, placing its nuclear triad on second-strike alert. Prime Minister Ben-Ami declared:
“Any existential threat to Israel will be met with overwhelming and final response.”
Pakistan’s foreign ministry labeled Iran’s rhetoric “an escalation bordering on insanity,” and hinted at invoking its own nuclear doctrine. “We are a sovereign nation. Any attack on our people will be returned with force — conventional or not,” warned General Abdul Majeed.
Multiple intelligence sources confirmed satellite detection of heat signatures consistent with warhead transfers in both Iran and Israel.
The Philosophy of Chaos: A New Global Equation
What the world is witnessing may be more than just another regional flashpoint. It appears to be the death of symmetrical deterrence — and the rise of “chaotic sovereignty” as a geopolitical tool. In this worldview, the goal isn’t order, but deliberate disorientation of adversaries through unpredictability.
“This is not diplomacy by negotiation. It’s diplomacy by nightmare,” said French analyst Olivier Mercier. “Iran is not saying ‘do not strike us.’ It is saying, ‘If we are hurt, the entire map burns.’ That’s a new kind of logic.”
In many ways, it’s a direct rejection of the Westphalian consensus — a move toward multipolar brinkmanship, where nuclear weapons are not last resorts, but instruments of political mysticism and psychological war.
International Reactions: Paralysis and Panic
The United States called the situation “a moment of maximum global risk,” and warned that any use of nuclear weapons against its strategic allies would trigger “an immediate and catastrophic response.” However, China called for “strategic calm,” while Russia issued no statement — a silence that, to some, speaks volumes. However, both can get involved soon.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called an emergency Security Council meeting, but few expect any real resolution. The institutions of old diplomacy now feel like relics in a world where threat, not treaty, defines action.
Markets crashed across Asia and Europe. Civil defense drills were launched in parts of Israel and Iran. European leaders issued statements urging “mutual restraint,” but with growing recognition that neither side believes in restraint anymore.
The Edge of the Abyss
As of now, no missiles have been launched. But the world now knows that the silence is not peace — it is prelude.
The logic of mutually assured destruction was once based on rational actors. But now, chaos itself has been weaponized — not as failure of order, but as its alternative.
1. Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion”
- In the pre‑dawn hours of June 13, 2025, Israel launched a large-scale air offensive—Operation Rising Lion—targeting Iranian nuclear, missile, and military infrastructure. Approximately 200 jets delivered over 300 munitions against around 100 strategic locations, including the Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan, and Khorramabad nuclear enrichment sites, as well as missile factories and air defense installations timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3reuters.com+3tribune.com.pk+3timesofindia.indiatimes.com+8thetimes.co.uk+8en.wikipedia.org+8.
- The strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of senior IRGC commanders—Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh—alongside several nuclear scientists theguardian.com+7timesofisrael.com+7en.wikipedia.org+7.
2. Iran’s Retaliation: Operation True Promise III
- In response, Iran launched a massive counter-strike on June 13, firing fewer than 100 to over 150 ballistic missiles and at least 100 drones—packaged under the codename “Operation True Promise III” en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
- Several missiles struck Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, causing structural damage, injuring between 22 and 63 people (reports vary), and triggering widespread sirens and shelter warnings en.wikipedia.org+13timesofisrael.com+13theguardian.com+13.
- Missiles and drones were intercepted by Israeli air defenses and with assistance from U.S. ground-based systems, as confirmed by Western officials theguardian.com+2apnews.com+2theguardian.com+2.
3. Casualties & Damage
- In Iran: The UN confirmed 78 dead and ~320 wounded from Israeli strikes, including civilian and military fatalities apnews.com+2theguardian.com+2abcnews.go.com+2. Residential neighborhoods in Tehran showed visible destruction reuters.com+15apnews.com+15reuters.com+15.
- In Israel: Around 22–63 injured, depending on source; one person critically, several moderately injured. Reports cite fragments, structural damage, and panic across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem en.wikipedia.org.
4. Global and Regional Reactions
- The United States moved missile-defense destroyers to the Eastern Mediterranean. The State Department issued security alerts for several countries and recommended shelter procedures timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2reuters.com+2politico.com+2.
- At the UN Security Council meeting, Russia blocked sanctions against Iran. China, the UK, France, and Jordan urged restraint arabnews.com+6aljazeera.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6.
- Pakistan, addressing the UN, condemned Israel’s airstrike as a “grave threat” to regional stability and aligned with Iran . Pakistan’s deputy PM reiterated opposition to the war arabnews.com.
5. Nuclear Dimension & Strategic Stakes
- The IAEA and intelligence analysts warned Iran was nearing nuclear breakout capability, with enough enriched uranium for multiple bombs. Israel acted to preempt weaponization cbsnews.com+15thetimes.co.uk+15ft.com+15.
- Israel’s policy of nuclear ambiguity, combined with Iran’s declared missile response, brings renewed nuclear brinkmanship to the region.
What This Means
| Risk Area | Situation |
|---|---|
| Escalation | Both sides show capacity for sustained strikes — risk of prolonged conflict |
| Civilian impact | Significant casualties and infrastructure damage reported |
| Global involvement | U.S., U.K., China, Russia, UN deeply involved; Pakistan’s condemnation adds regional complexity |
| Nuclear shadow | Iran’s near-bomb capability drove Israel’s preemptive strike decision |
Summary
- Israel launched airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear and military sites—killing top IRGC leaders.
- Iran retaliated with missiles and drones, striking Israeli territory.
- Pakistan publicly condemned Israel, declaring solidarity with Iran.
- Global powers mobilized through defense deployments and diplomatic warnings.
- Nuclear escalation is a central concern, with both countries in a heightened posture