Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates, June 23, 2025 - Israel Intensifies Iran Strikes, Targeting Key Sites; Tehran Vows "Unpredictable Consequences" as Global Fears Mount

       Updated: June 23, 2025 | 05:38 pm IST

The conflict between Israel and Iran reached a critical new intensity today, with Israel launching a series of "unprecedented force" strikes deep inside Iranian territory, drawing immediate and fierce vows of retaliation from Tehran. The escalating tit-for-tat attacks have sent shockwaves across the globe, triggering a new wave of missile launches from Iran and urgent calls for de-escalation from international bodies and world powers.

Today's developments follow yesterday's massive "bunker-buster" strikes by the United States on three of Iran's fortified nuclear facilities.

Key Developments from Today :

Israel's Expanded Offensive:

• Strikes on Tehran Targets: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the military was carrying out strikes on Iranian governmental targets in the heart of Tehran. These included the notorious Evin Prison, which reportedly holds political prisoners and regime opponents, and the security headquarters of the paramilitary Basij volunteer corps, a key component of the Revolutionary Guards.
• Fordow Nuclear Site Hit Again: Iranian state media reported that the underground Fordow nuclear enrichment site was hit again today, this time by Israel. This comes after the site was severely damaged in yesterday's US strikes. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, earlier warned of "very significant damage" to Fordow due to the "explosive payload utilized and the extremely vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges."
• Airfield and Military Infrastructure Targeted: The Israeli military claimed coordinated airstrikes on at least six airports across western, eastern, and central Iran. Targeted infrastructure reportedly included runways, underground bunkers, a refueling aircraft, and various fighter jets (including F-14s, F-5s, and AH-1s) and helicopters belonging to the Iranian military.
• "Operation Rising Lion": Israel's ongoing campaign, dubbed 'Operation Rising Lion,' escalated significantly, with military spokespersons confirming strikes on surface-to-surface missile launch sites in western Iran.

Iran's Response and Warnings:

• "Operation True Promise 3" Underway: Iran launched a fresh wave of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel today as part of "Operation True Promise 3." Explosions were heard over Jerusalem and sirens blared across various Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, with reports of impacts causing power disruptions in some southern towns.
• Vows of "Unpredictable Consequences": Iranian military officials issued stark warnings, stating that US and Israeli actions have "freed the hands of Islam's fighters within the armed forces to take any action against its interests and military." Tehran's armed forces spokesman, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, warned of "serious, unpredictable consequences" and declared, "Gambler Trump, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to finish it."
• Continued Uranium Enrichment: Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that Iran would continue its uranium enrichment activities despite the strikes, emphasizing, "No one can tell us what we should or should not do."
• Execution of Alleged Spy: Iran reportedly executed a man convicted of spying for Israel's intelligence agency Mossad, identified as Majid Mosayebi.

International Reactions and Concerns:

• Russia Condemns US Strikes, Offers Mediation: Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow today, calling the US strikes "absolutely unprovoked aggression" and reiterating Russia's readiness to assist Iran and offer mediation efforts. Araghchi thanked Russia for its condemnation, stating that Russia stands on "the right side of history."
• UN Warns of "Cycle of Retaliation": UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the "dangerous developments" and called for an immediate halt to hostilities. The UN Security Council held its third meeting on the attacks on Iran since the start of the conflict, with Russia, China, and Pakistan jointly pushing for a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
• IAEA Concerns: The IAEA chief reiterated fears of "very significant damage" to Iran's Fordow site and called for the return of inspectors to Iran's nuclear sites to account for highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
• Global Market Turmoil: Markets slumped worldwide, with India's Sensex dropping over 500 points and European shares slipping, as intensifying tensions unnerved investors. Oil tankers adjusted routes around the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened risks.
• US Terror Advisory: The US issued a terror advisory, warning of potential cyberattacks and extremism in the homeland. New York Governor Kathy Hochul activated counterterrorism measures statewide.
• Regional Solidarity: India continued "Operation Sindhu" to evacuate its citizens from Iran and also offered flights for Sri Lankans wishing to return home from Israel.

As the conflict enters its eleventh day, with reports of hundreds killed and thousands wounded, the situation remains highly volatile, with diplomatic efforts struggling to contain the escalating military actions.