 "Israel launched strikes against Iran early June 13, hitting its nuclear programme and targeting its long-range missile capabilities. File image/Reuters")
Tensions between Iran and Israel have reached a boiling point in recent days with both sides trading airstrikes, missiles, and fiery warnings.
The hostilities have now escalated into one of the region’s most serious military conflicts in years.
In the early hours of June 13, Israel launched an extensive assault on Iran.
Dubbed Operation Rising Lion, the strikes were widespread and intense, hitting Iran’s nuclear facilities, long-range missile sites, taking out top generals, and over two dozen nuclear scientists.
The offensive is being called the heaviest blow to the Islamic Republic in decades.
Israel has long accused Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian energy programme.
“This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, framing the operation as a necessary act of defence.
Iran, for its part, suffered devastating losses in the strike. Among the dead were Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the country’s top-ranking military officer, IRGC commander Hossein Salami, and Ali Shadmani, who served as Iran’s wartime Chief of Staff.
Tehran responded swiftly, firing hundreds of missiles and drones at targets across Israel over the next few days.
While has Iran vowed to “open the gates of hell”, Israel made it clear that this was just the beginning of a broader campaign.
But how vulnerable are Iran’s nuclear sites? Let’s take a closer look