Updated: June 17, 2025 | 3:23 pm IST
The direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran continues to intensify, with both nations locked in an ongoing exchange of missile strikes and fierce rhetoric. The international community is scrambling to mediate and prevent a broader regional conflict, but nuclear negotiations have already suffered new setbacks amidst the violence.
Military Actions & Casualties
Missile Barrages & Airstrikes Intensify
Iran launched a new wave of missiles toward Israel, prompting the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to activate air defense systems across the country. Explosions were reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, while Iranian missiles struck Israel’s port city of Haifa, injuring around 30 people and causing fires at a nearby power plant. A separate strike hit a residential building in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv.
In retaliation, Israel conducted extensive airstrikes across Iran. The Israeli military confirmed attacks on multiple surface-to-surface missile sites, drone storage facilities, and command centers belonging to Iran’s Quds Force. Explosions rocked cities like Tabriz, Natanz, and Parchin, while air defense systems were deployed over Tehran in anticipation of Israeli raids.
The IDF described an attack on an Iranian refueling plane in Mashhad as the "furthest strike" in its Operation Rising Lion. In a dramatic escalation, Israel claimed full aerial superiority over Tehran and announced strikes on Tehran’s Ministry of Defense and nuclear-related targets.
Casualty Reports and Infrastructure Damage
In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed and over 500 wounded since the escalation began. Iran's missile attacks have forced around 2,000 Israelis to evacuate their homes. The Gaza health ministry also reported at least 45 Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes.
In Iran, a Washington-based rights group estimated 406 people killed and 654 wounded. Iran's government hasn’t released official figures, but state TV confirmed civilian casualties, including three Red Crescent workers and top military leaders. Israel claimed to have killed Iran’s wartime Chief of Staff Ali Shadmani in a targeted strike on a command center in Tehran.
An Israeli strike damaged the Tehran police headquarters and reportedly hit the Iranian Foreign Ministry building. The American Consulate in Tel Aviv also sustained minor damage from a nearby Iranian missile explosion.
Three oil tankers caught fire in the Sea of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, and a cyberattack disrupted services of Iran’s Bank Sepah.
Strategic Targets & Military Objectives
Israel stated it destroyed Iran's Natanz nuclear facility and launched precision strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure in Isfahan and Tehran, including the SPND nuclear project. Revolutionary Guard command centers, uranium enrichment sites, and fuel depots were also hit. Iran confirmed strikes on two fuel depots and acknowledged damages to energy infrastructure in Tehran.
Israel justified these actions as necessary to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon.
Diplomatic & Political Reactions
Israel’s Stance
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the destruction of Natanz and declared Israel would target Iran’s leadership “one by one.” He suggested regime change in Iran might follow and stated, “killing Khamenei is not escalation, it’s the end of the conflict.” Netanyahu also thanked American pilots for assisting in drone interceptions and urged Iranians to rise against their government.
Trump’s Involvement
President Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli proposal to kill Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, affirming the U.S. had no role in the attacks. However, he warned Iran against targeting American interests, threatening “never seen before” retaliation. Trump hinted the U.S. might get involved and suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin could mediate. He said he preferred an outcome “better than a ceasefire,” and may send Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff for talks.
International Response
The G7 released a joint statement backing Israel’s right to self-defense and condemning Iran’s destabilizing actions. They urged a peaceful resolution and a renewed ceasefire in Gaza. China called for calm and urged citizens to leave Israel immediately. European ministers pushed Iran to resume nuclear talks, while the UK issued a travel warning.
India advised its nationals in Iran to avoid travel and facilitated evacuations. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert, and Russia began evacuating citizens from Iran by land.
Iran’s Accusations and Counterclaims
Iran claimed Israel targeted its foreign ministry and civilian sites and accused the U.S. of supporting Israeli attacks. Tehran rejected ceasefire discussions while under attack and warned that third-party involvement would be considered complicity. Iran warned that its missile barrage would be the “largest and most intense” in history and declared Israel would “soon be uninhabitable.”
Tehran stated it uncovered a Mossad-linked drone factory and arrested two suspected Israeli spies. A senior Iranian official claimed Pakistan promised to retaliate with nuclear weapons if Israel deployed nuclear arms—an assertion Pakistan denies.
Wider Regional & Global Impact
Israel’s airspace remains shut, and flights across the region have been cancelled. Tel Aviv’s stock market dipped, and oil prices soared as supply fears mounted. Pakistan’s Balochistan province faces a fuel crisis due to disrupted Iranian fuel flows.
IndiGo rerouted flights via Doha, and Turkey assured energy supplies remain stable. Iraq-based Kataib Hezbollah threatened attacks on U.S. troops if America intervenes in the conflict.
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