Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) launched Operation True Promise 3 on Friday night. This move came shortly after Israel carried out a major strike, killing Iran’s top military leaders and damaging key nuclear and military sites.

Why Iran Struck Back

Earlier that day, Israel had launched Operation Rising Lion, which hit several Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The Israeli attack killed senior commanders, including IRGC chief Hossein Salami and Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri. In response, Iran promised revenge.

Iran described its strike as a “crushing, precise response” to Israel’s actions. According to the Tasnim News Agency, Iran targeted “dozens of sites, military centres, and air bases of the Zionist regime in the occupied territories.”

IRGC Condemns Israel’s Actions

Iran strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike. The IRGC described it as an “assault and aggressive action of the bloodthirsty, child-killing terrorist Zionist regime.” Iran also said that Israel attacked areas within “Islamic Iran.”

The IRGC added that it carried out its counterattack “with reliance on divine power, the wise guidance of the Supreme Commander of the Forces, and the support of the noble Iranian nation.”

The Spiritual Symbolism

The IRGC launched the mission using the code ‘Ya Ali ibn Abi Talib’. They chose to strike on the night of Eid al-Ghadir, a significant day for Shia Muslims. They called it a sacred act and said more details would follow in their next statement.

Missiles Rain Down

By Friday evening, Iran had launched hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel. According to Iranian state media, this was only the beginning of their retaliation. The Israeli military said, “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defense systems are operating to intercept the threat.”

Khamenei Vows Severe Punishment

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had earlier promised “severe punishment” for the Israeli attack. He said, “The powerful hand of the Islamic Republic’s armed forces will not let it go.”