Iran Launches Operation True Promise 3: Key Developments and Global Reactions

Iran launches Operation True Promise 3 in retaliation to Israel’s Rising Lion strikes. Explore key developments, missile targets, casualties, and global reactions to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.

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In the latest and most severe escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, Iran launched Operation True Promise 3—a massive retaliatory missile and drone strike on Israeli territory. The operation came as a direct response to Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, a coordinated aerial assault on key Iranian military and nuclear installations that killed several high-ranking commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The developments signal a near state of war between two of the most bitter enemies in the Middle East, with potential to drag in global powers like the United States, Russia, and China, and reshape regional geopolitics.

What Led to Operation True Promise?

The seeds of Operation True Promise were sown in early 2025 when Israel intensified its campaign to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. A series of covert operations and targeted assassinations of Iranian scientists culminated in the launch of Operation Rising Lion, which:

Targeted multiple Iranian nuclear research centers and missile storage depots.
Killed IRGC commander Hossein Salami and Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri.
Resulted in over 300 civilian injuries and the deaths of 78 people, as confirmed by Iran’s UN mission.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe retribution”, setting the stage for a powerful counteroffensive.

Key Highlights of Operation True Promise

Feature	Details
Launched by	Islamic Republic of Iran (IRGC)
Target	Israel, particularly Tel Aviv, Jerusalem & IDF bases
First Wave	April 2025 (Operation True Promise 1)
Current Phase	June 2025 (Operation True Promise 3)
Weaponry Used	Ballistic missiles, drones, precision rockets
Casualties (as of June 14)	40 injured, 1 civilian killed in Israel
Motive	Retaliation for Israeli attack on Iranian top brass
IRGC Codename	“Ya Ali ibn Abi Talib” (Religious significance)

Timeline of Operation True Promise

Operation True Promise 1 & 2 (April–May 2025)

Following Israel’s assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist and targeted drone strikes on IRGC camps, Iran launched initial waves of missile attacks toward Israeli military installations. These were largely intercepted by the Iron Dome.

Operation True Promise 3 (June 2025)

The most severe escalation came after Israel killed IRGC chief Hossein Salami and Armed Forces Head Mohammad Bagheri in a targeted strike on Tehran.

In response:

Hundreds of ballistic missiles were launched at Israeli cities.
Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Ramat Gan.
Iran declared it delivered a “crushing and precise response” to the “Zionist regime.”

Phases of the Operation

Operation True Promise has unfolded in three waves so far:

Phase	Date	Description
1	April 2025	Iran launched drones and missiles into Golan Heights.
2	May 2025	Attacks expanded to Israeli airbases and US facilities.
3	June 14, 2025	Full-scale missile barrage on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

Objectives of Operation True Promise

Military Retaliation: To avenge the deaths of high-ranking Iranian officials and scientists.
Strategic Deterrence: Demonstrate Iran’s missile capabilities and deter future Israeli strikes.
Public Morale: Reinforce unity within Iran through religious symbolism and nationalist rhetoric.
Regional Messaging: Signal to allies like Hezbollah and enemies like Saudi Arabia about Iran’s readiness for war.

Military Technologies Involved

Iranian Capabilities

Ballistic Missiles: Medium-range missiles with precision strike capability, launched from land and possibly sea platforms.
Drones and UAVs: Likely deployed for reconnaissance and strike missions.
Electronic Warfare: Attempts to disrupt Israeli radar and communications during missile salvos.

Israeli Defenses

Iron Dome: Intercepts short to medium-range rockets effectively, but saturation attacks challenge its limits.
David’s Sling: Targets medium to long-range threats, likely used for some Iranian missile intercepts.
Air Force: Ready for counterstrikes and suppression of missile launch sites if necessary.

Geopolitical Context and Implications

1. Regional Stability at Stake

The conflict risks destabilizing the wider Middle East, involving proxy actors such as:

Hezbollah in Lebanon
Palestinian militant groups in Gaza
Syrian regime forces aligned with Iran

2. Global Energy Markets

Strikes increase the risk of closure or disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil passes, potentially spiking international oil prices and triggering economic shocks worldwide.

3. Diplomatic Fallout

The United States reaffirms support for Israel while pressing Iran to return to nuclear talks.
United Nations urges de-escalation; calls for ceasefire remain unheeded.
European Union, Russia, and China stress diplomacy but remain cautious in condemning either party explicitly.

Human Cost and Civilian Impact

Beyond the strategic and military dimensions, the conflict has inflicted:

Casualties and injuries to civilians caught in missile attacks or debris from interceptors.
Psychological trauma for millions living under constant threat of air raids.
Disruptions to daily life: Schools closed, transport halted, economic activity slowed.

The Israeli government has mobilized emergency services and launched public safety campaigns to mitigate civilian harm.

Statements from Key Leaders

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei:
“Those who kill our children and commanders will be severely punished. Our response will be both divine and precise.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“Israel stands united against an evil regime that seeks our destruction. Our military operations are historic and decisive.”
US President Donald Trump:
“Iran has missed its chance for peace. Israel has our full support in defending itself.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
“I call on both sides to immediately cease hostilities. Peace and dialogue must prevail to prevent further bloodshed.”

What Lies Ahead?

The situation remains highly volatile:

Potential for full-scale war: Both sides are escalating military readiness.
International mediation efforts: Behind-the-scenes diplomacy intensifies.
Nuclear brinkmanship: Iran’s nuclear program progress and Israel’s preventive strategies heighten global anxiety.