Here’s the latest on the Israel–Iran conflict as of June 16, 2025:
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🔥 Recent Developments
🇮🇷 Iran’s missile barrage on Israel
Overnight, Iran deployed a large-scale strike—dubbed Operation True Promise III—launching over 150 ballistic missiles and 100+ drones into Israel since June 13 .
The attacks have breached missile defenses in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, resulting in at least 5–10 fatalities and over 100 injuries .
🇮🇱 Israel’s counter-strikes deep into Iran
Israel responded with coordinated airstrikes targeting over 250 sites, including nuclear and missile installations, key energy facilities (notably the South Pars gas field), and IRGC assets .
A suspected Israeli drone strike ignited a fire at South Pars, causing millions of cubic meters of production to shut down .
🕵️ Mossad-led sabotage
Israeli intelligence reportedly smuggled drone units into Iran in early June, taking out air-defense and missile-launch installations ahead of the bombing campaign .
Limited civilian displacement has been reported, including an exodus from Tehran to safer northern areas .
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🎯 Weapon Advancements & Strategic Shifts
Iran's missile arsenal upgrade
Iran unveiled a new Haj Qassem guided ballistic missile, which has already been used in recent strikes .
In May, Iran introduced the Qassem Bassir MRBM, touted to penetrate advanced defenses, signaling a significant upgrade in its capabilities .
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🌍 Regional & Global Implications
Proxy forces on alert
Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah issued warnings to the U.S., threatening action if America intervenes .
Other regional proxies (Lebanon, Yemen, Syria) are on high alert to be drawn in.
Global energy & economic shockwaves
The South Pars strike could disrupt energy supplies, raising global gas prices—analysts warn this may usher a new phase of energy-weapons warfare .
S&P downgraded Israel's credit rating from A+ to A, citing mounting security risks .