Updated: June 18, 2025 | 08:13 pm IST
The direct military conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its sixth consecutive day on Wednesday, June 18, with both nations intensifying their attacks and issuing increasingly severe threats. The situation has further escalated with Israeli strikes targeting nuclear-related facilities and Iran issuing stern warnings against any U.S. involvement.
Escalating Strikes and Rising Casualties
Israeli Airstrikes on Iran:
The Israeli military carried out a fresh wave of airstrikes on Tehran early Wednesday. Multiple explosions were reported in the Iranian capital, with thick plumes of smoke visible across the skyline. Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that their jets had destroyed Iran's "internal security headquarters" and pledged to "strike symbols of governance and hit the Ayatollah regime wherever it may be."
Crucially, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that two key Iranian centrifuge production sites—TESA Karaj and the Tehran Research Center—were damaged in the strikes. These were previously monitored by the UN watchdog.
Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin stated that Israel has targeted 1,100 sites in Iran over the past five days and continues to "operate freely" over Iranian airspace.
A U.S.-based Iranian human rights organization reported that at least 585 people, including 239 civilians, have been killed in Israel’s ongoing strikes, with over 1,300 more injured since Friday.
Iranian Missile Attacks on Israel:
In retaliation, Iran launched another wave of missile barrages on Israel. Air raid sirens rang across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the occupied West Bank. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have deployed its hypersonic Fattah-1 missile—its first known use in this conflict—stating it was "repeatedly shaking the shelters" in Tel Aviv overnight.
Al Jazeera reported heavy damage in cities like Ramat Gan, Petah Tikva, Bnei Brak, and Bat Yam. Residential areas have been hit, prompting mass evacuations. A missile reportedly sparked a fire in central Israel this morning, destroying multiple vehicles.
At least 24 people have died in Iran's attacks on Israel, with hundreds injured. Israel's tax authority has received over 19,000 damage claims related to the ongoing missile strikes.
Trump’s Escalating Rhetoric and U.S. Position
U.S. President Donald Trump, who abruptly left the G7 summit on June 17, has intensified his rhetoric via social media. In an all-caps post, he demanded Iran's “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.”
Trump also declared that the U.S. has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran” and issued a veiled threat to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei:
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding... We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”
While the White House maintains that U.S. forces are in a “defensive posture,” the president’s words and growing military preparedness suggest the possibility of a deeper American role in the conflict.
Iran’s Defiant Response and International Reactions
Iran has firmly rejected Trump’s surrender demand and issued strong warnings against U.S. intervention.
Khamenei's Message:
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Iran “will not surrender” and warned of “irreparable damage” to the United States should it intervene militarily.
Foreign Ministry Warning:
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, warned via Al Jazeera that “any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region.” Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva declared that Tehran would respond “strongly” and “without restraint” to any attack by Israel or the U.S.
Evacuations Underway:
Thousands of civilians are reportedly fleeing Tehran amid fears of intensified conflict. Long queues have formed at fuel stations and exit routes. Over 700 foreign nationals have been evacuated from both Iran and Israel by countries including China, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem has been closed until at least Friday as a precaution.
Global Calls for Restraint
Global powers have expressed increasing concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation.
- Russia has cautioned the U.S. against aiding Israel militarily and has offered to mediate diplomatically.
- Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for Iran to return to talks, while also labeling Israel’s actions as “comprehensible.”
- China and the European Union have urged both sides to de-escalate the conflict.
- Turkey’s President Erdoğan expressed support for Iran’s “legitimate right to self-defence.”
Situation in Israel: Signs of Temporary Relief
In a slight shift, Israel has eased some public restrictions. The military lifted bans on small public gatherings and allowed workplaces with shelters to resume operations in less threatened regions. While strikes continue, the move signals a possible recalibration of threat perception.
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