Iran and Israel Begin Military Strikes on Each Other
On Friday, June 16, Iran was attacked by Israel’s military. Since then, the two nations have been launching strikes at each other, with the potential of a third world war set in the Middle East, which the region can’t afford to have.
It has been reported that 24 Israelis have died from Iranian strikes in major cities like Tel Aviv, while 220 Iranians have been killed by Israeli strikes. Among the dead was the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Intelligence organization, Brigadier General Mohammad Kazemi. Kazemi was killed along with his deputy Hassan Mohaqiq.
This is the fourth day of hostility between Iran and Israel. Many agree that the situation will get worse if both sides don’t agree to decreasing hostility and anger towards the opposing side.
In the first strike, an Iranian news anchor was reporting, when the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran was hit nearby. The reporter, Sahar Emami, survived and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they struck the communication center used for the Iranian military.
In response to the warning from the IDF, civilians were told to evacuate Tehran and they immediately reacted and started to stock up on essentials to be prepared for the strike that was to come. Israel claimed to target military establishments in surface to air missile launch sites and storage facilities, and said that their goal was to hinder Iran’s development of nuclear power.
Israel had aimed to destroy or put out of operation nuclear powers at Natanz and Fordow and a nuclear technology center in Isfahan. While the Natanz site was severely damaged and inoperative after the strikes, the Fordow site is undamaged and remains buried safely underground.
The Natanz site has been damaged not directly in the power-making component, but rather in its above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant, centrifuges, and emergency power systems. The wrecking of these critical parts has made it impossible for the Natanz nuclear power plant to operate again in a short period of time.
The destruction of multiple military sites, nuclear power plants, and the murder of some leading Iranian nuclear scientists has deeply disrupted the chance that Iran will be able to build a nuclear weapon soon.
Israel said that they weren’t waging war, but making peace, mainly since they believed Iran was using the studies on nuclear power to create nuclear weapons. Although Iran denied developing nuclear weapons and signed the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty, Israel still believes Iran is hiding some facts about its nuclear achievements. Iran believes that Israel has committed a terrible crime.
What many do agree on, though, is that if the two sides don’t decrease tension, lives will be lost.
References:
“Israel and Iran: What’s Happening?” BBC News, 13 June 2025, www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/c9wg9k9w059o
“How Israel’s Strikes have Damaged Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities,” PBS News, www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCCxBbWBPl
“What was Israel targeting in Iran?” BBC News, www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9x64kJ3jxE
“Israel and Iran Conflict Enters Fourth Day as Both Sides Continue Strikes,” BBC News, www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-cBGBmEMsE
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