Iranian, Israeli officials exchange threats amid escalating tensions

Tensions soared today, June 13, as senior Iranian and Israeli officials traded military threats following a wave of mutual attacks between the two countries.

A senior Iranian official told CNN that Israel will face a dark night, claiming that Iranian armed forces had intercepted several Israeli aircraft, downing one, and had neutralized a large number of incoming missiles and drones.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a video address, directly speaking to the Iranian people. He urged civilians to stand up against their government, stating that Israel’s war was not against the people of Iran, but against its ruling regime.

Netanyahu declared that Israeli strikes had destroyed Iran's most important uranium enrichment facility, a large portion of its ballistic missile arsenal, and had killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists.

Shortly before this, Netanyahu authorized civilians to leave shelters, while Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Iran had crossed a red line by launching missile strikes on populated areas in Israel.

An Israeli official told CNN that the Israeli cabinet was meeting to discuss a response to Iran’s Friday evening missile barrage, and expected further Israeli escalation in a new wave of strikes.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on X that Iran used fewer than 100 missiles in its latest attack. Most were intercepted, while others fell short of their targets. He added that only a small number of buildings were damaged, mainly due to shrapnel from intercepted projectiles.