The Israeli-Iranian conflict escalated significantly in June 2025, moving beyond the historical "shadow war" to direct military engagement.
Key developments:
Israeli strikes on Iran (June 13, 2025): Israel launched a large-scale attack, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion" or "Year of Kylafi," targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, military installations, and senior military and nuclear scientists.
Targets included nuclear sites in Natanz, Khondab, and Khorramabad, as well as military bases and residential areas in Tehran and other provinces.
Israel stated that its objectives were to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to eliminate the Iranian threat.
Losses reported by Iranian media included at least 90 dead (mostly civilians) and more than 300 injured, along with the deaths of several senior military leaders and nuclear scientists, including the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Reports indicated that the attacks involved a fleet of over 200 fighter jets, including F-35I "Adir" aircraft, and included coordinated sabotage missions by Mossad.
Iran's response (June 13-14, 2025): Iran launched a retaliatory missile attack on Israel, firing dozens of missiles, though fewer than 100.
While Israeli air defenses intercepted most missiles (with reported American assistance), some breached the defenses, causing explosions and injuries in central Israel, including Tel Aviv. Reports indicated that seven people were injured.
Iranian officials stated that they would target Israel's economic and energy infrastructure immediately if their infrastructure were subjected to further strikes. The Iranian president promised a "decisive, wise, and strong" response.
Current situation and analysis:
The conflict is ongoing, with Israel affirming that its operation is still underway, warning of "more strikes on the way."
This direct confrontation represents a significant escalation in the decades-long rivalry.
The international community, including the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the African Union, NATO, and the European Union, has called for de-escalation and restraint.
There are concerns that Israeli strikes, especially on nuclear facilities, may push Iran to accelerate its nuclear program rather than deter it.
Geopolitical risks in the region have significantly increased, with fears of a wider regional war erupting.
The United States announced that it did not participate in the Israeli attacks but is assisting Israel in intercepting missiles.
The situation remains highly volatile and is evolving rapidly, with conflicting or inaccurate information in open sources.