Israel and Iran’s War Escalates, Exchanging Fiercest Attacks in Decades, Raising Fears of Regional War
Since June 13, 2025, Israel and Iran have made a major military escalation across the two countries, with Israel launching airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites, and Iran making missile attacks on Israeli cities. Israel initiated the strikes to weaken Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities while Iran defended its sovereignty, nuclear and missile sites, and army.
The violence follows years of rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel views as a direct threat. Iran, in turn, cites self-defense and sovereignty. At least 224 people have been killed in Iran and 14 in Israel, amid growing fears of a broader regional conflict.
A surprise Israeli airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, hitting the Natanz nuclear site and other sensitive targets, started the escalation. Israel said the strikes were needed to counter threats posed by Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities.
Iran launched over 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, striking urban areas from Tel Aviv to the northern cities like Tamra and Bat Yam. At least 24 people have been reported killed in Israel, making it the deadliest night. There is big damage to residential buildings and a Weizmann Institute research facility. Alan Monziani, an Italian Ph.D. student living in a dorm at the institute, said, “One side of the cancer research center was missing most of its walls — it was hard to tell whether it took a direct hit or was struck by shrapnel, because it was engulfed in flames,” adding that the blast’s shockwaves shattered windows in nearby buildings.
Israel continued its attacks on Sunday, hitting key infrastructure in Tehran, including the main gas depot and an oil refinery. The Iranian government reported that more than 70 people were killed, including senior security officials. There were massive fires over Tehran as explosions rocked the city. Over 100,000 residents are believed to have fled.
While Israel had wanted direct U.S. support, American officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, decided to not help in the attacks. President Trump warned Iran not to target America for the Israeli attacks, promising a massive response if they did. Talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program, scheduled to resume in Oman, have been canceled. Trump also added that it was possible to “easily get a deal done” between Israel and Iran to end the conflict.
In addition to targeting Iran directly, Israel also bombed Houthi leadership positions in Yemen in a move to weaken Iran’s regional proxies. The strikes come amid growing concerns that the conflict could spill into neighboring countries and impact global oil markets. Brent crude prices have already surged over 13%.
Civilians in both countries had a stressful weekend. In Israel, families crowded into bomb shelters for two consecutive nights, while air raid sirens and missile alerts sounded. In Iran, witnesses described explosions shaking apartment buildings and Tehran’s residents panicking.
With both governments rejecting international calls for de-escalation, the region appears to be entering a dangerous new phase. Diplomatic options are rapidly narrowing, and further violence seems likely in the days ahead.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-attack-strikes-news-06-16-25-intl-hnk#:~:text=Rising%20death%20tolls%3A%20Casualties%20are,224%20people%20have%20been%20killed.