What Is Iran’s Operation True Promise III? Retaliatory Strike Shakes Israel

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has taken a dramatic turn with Iran’s Operation True Promise III, a retaliatory military campaign launched by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). 

This operation, initiated on June 13, 2025, in response to Israel’s aggressive airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, has escalated tensions in the Middle East and drawn international attention. Let’s break down the key details of this operation, its impact, and what it means for the future of the Iran-Israel conflict.

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Background: What Triggered Operation True Promise III?

The escalation that led to Operation True Promise III was sparked by Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and military installations in a surprise attack on June 13, 2025. Israel launched five waves of airstrikes using more than 200 fighter jets, hitting over 100 targets within Iranian territory. These strikes resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including IRGC Commander Hossein Salami and Armed Forces Chief Mohammad Bagheri.

As expected, Iran condemned these attacks, with Tehran labeling Israel’s actions as a blatant war crime and an egregious violation of international law. In retaliation, Iran initiated Operation True Promise III, sending a clear message that their response would not be passive.

The Operation's Significance

Operation True Promise III is notable not only for its scale but also for the advanced tactics employed by the IRGC. The operation showcased Iran’s ability to launch sustained retaliatory strikes against Israel, despite the technological sophistication of Israel’s Iron Dome defense system.

As part of the operation, Iran’s forces used a combination of ballistic missiles and offensive drones in an effort to break through Israel’s defense mechanisms. This is the ninth phase of the retaliatory campaign, and as reported by sources close to the operation, this stage is expected to surpass previous waves in terms of both intensity and duration.

Scale and Impact of the Iranian Attacks

Strategic Targets Hit by Iranian Missiles

Operation True Promise III targeted several high-value military and intelligence installations in Israel, including:

• Nevatim Air Base
• Ovda Air Base
• Tel Nof Air Base near Tel Aviv
• Kirya Military Headquarters Complex in Tel Aviv
• Israeli Ministry of Defense
• Israeli Military Command and Control Centers

In addition to military sites, Iranian missiles and drones also targeted Israel’s electronic warfare facilities and military intelligence centers, disrupting key Israeli operations. While Israel's advanced air defense system intercepted most of the incoming missiles, some managed to break through, causing damage in various Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Casualties and Damage in Israel

The damage from Iran’s retaliatory strikes was substantial, although Israel’s air defense systems mitigated the worst effects. According to reports, the attack resulted in 18-24 casualties in Israel, most of whom were civilians, with approximately 140-200 individuals injured across multiple waves of attacks.

Despite Israel’s defense systems, such as the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems, successfully intercepting many of the incoming projectiles, the IRGC’s use of advanced long-range missiles and drones revealed Iran’s growing ability to breach Israel’s multi-layered defense network.

Israel’s Defensive Struggles

A significant aspect of this operation was the malfunction of Israeli interceptor missiles, one of which reportedly fell to the ground before the Iranian projectiles even reached Tel Aviv. This footage, shared on social media, raised concerns over the effectiveness of Israel's defense systems, especially when confronted with multiple simultaneous attacks from various fronts.

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Regional Impact and Geopolitical Ramifications

The escalation caused by Operation True Promise III is having far-reaching implications for regional stability in the Middle East. While the attacks on Israel have been severe, it is important to note that Israel’s strikes on Iran resulted in much higher casualties in Iran. Approximately 224 deaths and 1,481-1,500 injuries were reported in Iran, with the vast majority of the victims being civilians.

International Reactions and Risks of Further Escalation

The United States has closely monitored the situation, with President Donald Trump initially stating that the U.S. was not involved in the Israeli attack. However, he later acknowledged that the U.S. had prior knowledge of the operation. In the wake of the attacks, Trump issued a warning to Iranian residents to evacuate their areas for their safety.

This military escalation has raised the specter of a wider regional conflict, with proxy groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Palestinian militants in Gaza potentially getting involved. Additionally, the conflict has raised concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route through which 20% of global oil passes. Any disruption to this passage could have severe implications for the global oil market.

The Future of the Iran-Israel Conflict

Short-Term and Long-Term Projections

In the immediate future, the conflict shows no signs of abating. Iran’s military capabilities have improved, and it appears capable of launching coordinated, sustained attacks on Israeli targets. However, this situation remains precarious, with both countries facing significant military and civilian losses.

Looking ahead, experts suggest that the conflict’s trajectory will be shaped by:

• The involvement of regional powers, including the potential participation of Hezbollah or other allied groups in Iran’s camp.
• International diplomacy, which could intervene to de-escalate the situation.
• Economic and military pressures that could alter the course of the conflict.

The Risk of a Wider War

If the attacks continue at their current pace, or escalate further, the risk of a wider war involving additional regional actors could become increasingly likely. The Iran-Israel conflict is already deeply entrenched, with both sides entrenched in their positions, making diplomatic solutions difficult to achieve in the short term.

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Conclusion: The Implications of Operation True Promise III

Iran’s Operation True Promise III marks a significant moment in the long-standing Iran-Israel conflict. It shows that despite Israel’s technological superiority and advanced defense systems, Iran is capable of launching coordinated retaliatory strikes that can cause significant damage. This operation is likely to have ripple effects, not only for Israel and Iran but for the broader Middle East.

For now, the region remains on edge, with international powers closely monitoring developments. As both countries continue their military campaigns, the likelihood of further escalation remains high, and the broader geopolitical landscape will undoubtedly shift in response to this conflict.

FAQ

What triggered Operation True Promise III?

Operation True Promise III was triggered by Israel’s surprise airstrikes on Iranian military facilities and nuclear sites, including the death of key Iranian officials.

What were the main targets of Iran’s retaliatory strikes?

Iran targeted several Israeli military installations, including air bases, military headquarters, and defense facilities. Key targets included the Nevatim Air Base and Israeli Ministry of Defense.

How has the international community responded to the conflict?

The U.S. acknowledged its prior knowledge of Israel’s strike on Iran, while international concerns over the stability of the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz are rising.