Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates, June 20, 2025 - Day Eight Sees Sustained Attacks, Key Diplomatic Engagements, and Heightened Global Alarm

     Updated: June 20, 2025 | 10:17 pm IST

 The direct military conflict between Israel and Iran continued intensely today, Friday, June 20th, marking its eighth consecutive day. Both nations exchanged new strikes, while diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis gained urgency in Geneva. Civilian casualties continued to rise, and international warnings intensified, emphasizing the peril of a broader regional conflict.

Intensified Hostilities and Rising Casualties:

    Israeli Strikes on Iran:

• Throughout Friday, Israel conducted further airstrikes deep within Iran. Reports indicate that over 60 aircraft were involved, targeting what Israel described as industrial sites for missile manufacturing.
• Specific targets included the headquarters of Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), an entity previously linked by the U.S. to Iran's alleged nuclear weapons development research.
• Strikes were also reported in areas around Rasht on the Caspian Sea (in Gilan province), Kermanshah, and Tabriz in western Iran, specifically targeting "missile storage and launch infrastructure components." The Israeli military had reportedly issued warnings for the public to flee the area around Rasht's Industrial City ahead of the strikes.
• An Israeli military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, stated, "We are strengthening our air control in the region and advancing our air offensive," and warned of a "prolonged campaign" with "more sites to strike in Tehran, western Iran and other places."

    Iranian Missile Attacks on Israel:

• Iran launched a new barrage of ballistic missiles towards Israel today. Air raid sirens blared across major Israeli cities including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the Negev Desert.
• Some missiles impacted residential areas. The Rambam hospital in Haifa reported receiving 12 injured people, with two in severe condition, as a result of a missile strike. Another report from Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service confirmed 17 people injured, with three in serious condition, including a 16-year-old with a shrapnel wound.
• Yesterday's confirmed direct hit on the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, which injured at least 80 people, continued to draw strong condemnation.

    Mounting Casualties:

• A Washington D.C.-based human rights group, Human Rights Activists, reported today that Israeli strikes have killed at least 657 people in Iran and wounded over 2,037 others since the conflict began. This figure includes 263 civilians and 164 security force personnel. Iranian official casualty figures remain significantly lower.
• In Israel, Iranian missile and drone attacks have resulted in at least 24 deaths and hundreds of injuries since the start of the conflict.

Diplomatic Maneuvers and Global Reactions:

Geneva Talks: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held face-to-face talks with top European diplomats (from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU's foreign policy chief) in Geneva today. Araghchi vehemently condemned Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities as "grave war crimes" and a "betrayal of diplomacy," stating that "as long as this aggression and invasion continue, there is absolutely no room for talk or diplomacy." He reiterated that Iran has "nothing to discuss" with the United States while Israeli strikes continue but expressed openness to "dialogue" with other powers, particularly on the nuclear issue.

UN and IAEA Warnings:

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a "rapidly escalating" conflict that could "ignite a fire that no one can control," urging both sides to "give peace a chance" and expressing grave concern about attacks on nuclear facilities.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief specifically warned against attacking the Bushehr nuclear power plant, stating a direct hit would result in a "very high release of radioactivity." The IAEA emphasized that nuclear facilities must not be shrouded by the fog of war and urged maximum restraint.

U.S. Position: President Trump continues to deliberate potential U.S. military involvement, with a decision expected within two weeks, linked to prospects for nuclear negotiations. The U.S. Treasury today announced new sanctions targeting individuals and entities affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) involved in procuring sensitive machinery for Iran's defense industry.

International Concerns: Russia demanded that Israel immediately cease attacks, warning that Israel's actions risk pulling in third countries. China reiterated its call for a return to dialogue on the Iranian nuclear issue.

Embassy Withdrawals: Switzerland and the United Kingdom confirmed today that they would withdraw embassy staff from Tehran due to the escalating conflict, with their embassies continuing to operate remotely. Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, and Portugal have also reportedly suspended or reduced their diplomatic presence in Tehran.

Mass Protests: Hundreds of thousands of people across Iran, including in Tehran, protested after Friday prayers, chanting "Death to America! Death to Israel!" and demonstrating support for Iran's actions. Similar large demonstrations were reported in Iraq.

Other Significant Developments:

• Internet Blackout in Iran: The near-total nationwide internet shutdown in Iran, which began yesterday, continued for a third day, severely limiting the flow of information both into and out of the country. NetBlocks reported that national connectivity remained at only a few percentage points of normal levels for 36 hours.
• Arrests in Iran: Iran reportedly arrested two foreign nationals in Karaj, suspected of being "Mossad agents."
• Indian Evacuation: Iran today eased airspace restrictions to facilitate three Indian charter flights to evacuate approximately 1,000 Indian nationals under "Operation Sindhu." The first flight is expected to arrive in New Delhi tonight, Friday, June 20th.

The conflict's continuation into its eighth day, with sustained attacks on strategic and civilian targets, underscores the high stakes and the desperate need for de-escalation to prevent a wider regional catastrophe.