* Mutual strikes continue: Since June 13, Israel has carried out multiple airstrikes in Iran targeting key military and nuclear infrastructure (Natanz, Isfahan, Tehran Defense Ministry). Iran has retaliated with over 150–200 ballistic missiles and drones toward Israel, hitting cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa. Both nations have suffered civilian casualties—Israel reports around 10–22 injured, Iran at least 78–88 killed. * Air superiority claimed: Israel asserts it has gained air supremacy over Tehran, while warning Iran civilians near military sites to evacuate.
🛡️ U.S. Assistance
* Missile-defense support: According to the Wall Street Journal and Wikipedia, the U.S. has deployed THAAD and Patriot batteries as well as jet fighters and naval assets to help intercept Iranian missiles and drones. * Naval deployment: Two U.S. Navy destroyers have been dispatched to the Eastern Mediterranean to bolster Israel’s defenses and protect American installations.
🔍 Strategic Implications
* Escalation risk: Analysts are warning the conflict could spiral into a wider regional war, especially if U.S. or other Western bases become targets . * Nuclear diplomacy halted: Iran has pulled out of scheduled nuclear talks with the U.S. and nuclear negotiations are now effectively paused. * Global ripple effects: Oil markets are feeling the impact, while global powers—including China, Russia, and NATO—are calling for de-escalation.
✅ U.S. Role: Defensive, Not Offensive
* To date, the U.S. has not participated in offensive strikes on Iran. * American involvement has been defensive, focused on missile interception and safeguarding regional bases. *However, with U.S. warships and air defenses now active, deeper involvement remains a possibility if the situation escalates.
Iran carried out Operation True Promise III, releasing over 150 ballistic missiles and 100+ drones toward Israeli cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, Rishon LeZion and around 8 people have been killed in these strikes (en.wikipedia.org).
Iran also claims it shot down three Israeli F‑35I jets, capturing a female pilot—though this is strongly denied by Israel (en.wikipedia.org).
Israel launched a massive pre-emptive strike on June 13, targeting more than 100 sites—including nuclear facilities (Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan), military bases, and Iran’s Defense Ministry (en.wikipedia.org).
Strikes killed high-ranking military figures and prominent nuclear scientists; estimates suggest 78–104 Iranian casualties, including about 29 children in Tehran (theguardian.com).
3. Civilian impact & regional ripple effects
In Israel, the missile barrage led to at least 8–11 civilian deaths and dozens injured, with many taking refuge in shelters and hospitals conducting emergency blood drives (apnews.com).
Iran reports 320 injuries in Tehran, widespread damage, and strikes on energy infrastructure like an oil depot and the South Pars gas field, which has temporarily disrupted production (theguardian.com).
Diplomatic fallout—G7 and nuclear talks in Muscat have been canceled; world leaders are intensifying calls for de-escalation (theguardian.com).
4. Surge in regional & international tensions
Israeli PM Netanyahu warned that Israel will “strike every site” connected with Iran’s Ayatollah regime and has vowed to continue “as long as necessary.” He even indicated Ayatollah Khamenei is “not off limits” (aljazeera.com).
Iranian voices warn of even stronger retaliation, including talk of threatening maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz .