#IsraelIranConflict

The conflict between Israel and Iran has reached a critical and highly volatile stage, with recent direct military engagements significantly escalating tensions.

Current Situation (as of June 13, 2025):

* Direct Israeli Strikes on Iran: Israel has launched a significant wave of attacks on Iranian soil, targeting nuclear facilities, military sites, and reportedly killing top military leaders and scientists. These strikes were described by Israel as "Operation Rising Lion," aimed at neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities and preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon, which Israel views as an existential threat.

* Iranian Retaliation: Iran has retaliated by launching drones and missiles towards Israel. Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, has vowed "severe punishment" and described the Israeli attacks as a "declaration of war."

* Casualties and Damage: Explosions have been reported in various Iranian cities, including Tehran, Natanz (a key nuclear site), Kermanshah, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Arak. Iranian state media has confirmed casualties, including the chief of the Revolutionary Guards, Salami, and two top nuclear scientists. Social media images have shown damaged structures, including residential buildings, in Tehran.

* Regional Alert: Airspace over Iran has been restricted, and Israel has declared a state of emergency, calling up reservists and bracing for further counterattacks from Iran or its proxy groups. There are fears of a broader regional escalation.

* International Reactions: The international community is largely condemning the escalation and urging de-escalation. Many countries, including Japan, China, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, have denounced Israel's strikes as violations of international law. Some, like the US and Germany, have expressed a degree of support for Israel's actions, while others like Russia have called Israel's attacks "unprovoked and illegal." The UN's nuclear watchdog (IAEA) has emphasized that nuclear facilities "must never be attacked."

war.