Iran Downs Israeli Jets, F 35 Not Involved in Airstrikes
The situation remains volatile, with both sides refusing to back down, and the international community calling for restraint to prevent further escalation. Iranian forces have also shot down Israeli drones on a reconnaissance mission over the northwest, state media reports, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Iranian forces shot down two Israeli fighter jets on June 13, 2025, amid a large-scale Israeli airstrike, escalating tensions between the two nations and raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The retaliatory operation, codenamed True Promise 3, targeted Israeli military sites, including bases and airports in occupied territories.
The conflict has escalated rapidly, with both sides exchanging blows and issuing warnings. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vowed to respond to Israel's aggression, while Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed to continue striking at Iran's nuclear infrastructure. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that a key aboveground component of Iran's uranium enrichment facility in Natanz was destroyed.
The US has expressed concern over the escalating tensions, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the US is not involved in the strikes and is focused on protecting American forces in the region. The UN has also called for restraint, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging both sides to "stop" the escalation. The conflict has also had significant humanitarian implications, with reports of injuries and damage to civilian infrastructure.
The appointment of a new army chief, Maj Gen Amir Hatami, following the assassination of several top military officials in the Israeli strike, is seen as a significant development in Iran's military leadership. The conflict between Israel and Iran has significant implications for the region and the world, with concerns about the potential for further escalation and the impact on global stability.