Explained: Iran, Israel Were Once ‘Friends’. This Led To Their Break-Up

New Delhi:

On June 13 morning Israel targeted nuclear sites and military installations across Iran, killing nuclear scientists and senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers. There were civilian casualties too, Tehran claimed. The attacks preceded Iran-United States talks over the latter’s escalating uranium enrichment, which Tehran insists is for peaceful purposes but Tel Aviv views as “threats” to its survival.

By June 13 evening Iran had responded, firing ballistic missiles at Israeli military sites, including those used to refuel fighter jets and warplanes. Some even snuck past Israel’s famed ‘Iron Dome’ air defence, hitting parts of central Tel Aviv, which is where the Israeli Defence Forces is headquartered.

The conflict between the two is now in its fifth day and shows no sign of stopping; on Monday more Israeli missiles pounded Tehran and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said the war could only end with the death of his counterpart, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei