- Four days of strikes and counter-strikes: Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” on June 13, targeting over 100 Iranian nuclear and military sites—from Natanz and Tehran to Tabriz and energy infrastructure—killing key nuclear scientists and IRGC commanders . Iran has retaliated with waves of ballistic missiles and drones, striking Tel Aviv, Haifa, and central Israel, resulting in dozens of casualties on both sides.
Civilian toll & displacement: Over 224 Iranians (including many civilians) and at least 24 Israelis have been confirmed dead, with hundreds more injured. Israel has issued evacuation orders to hundreds of thousands in Tehran ahead of further strikes, and reports indicate massive internal displacement from the Iranian capital.
Israel’s declared aim: Eliminate Iran’s nuclear and missile capacities—including crippling enrichment plants like Fordow, Natanz, and tanks, radars, missile depots—with strikes deep into Iranian territory, aided by Mossad drone sabotage.
Iran’s response: Deploying high-tech missiles such as the Haj Qassem and Qassem Bassir with claimed success against Israeli air defenses, pushing Tehran to consider exiting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Broader war fears: Analysts warn of analogies to past full-scale wars (e.g. 1967, Iraq), and caution that unconventional retaliation—chemical, biological, or even a dirty nuclear demonstration—could emerge if Iran feels cornered.
Mediators stepping in: The UN, EU, G7, as well as China, Russia, and Turkey, are actively urging de-escalation and exploring diplomatic channels.
U.S. role: The U.S. isn’t directly involved militarily but is bolstering Israel’s air defenses. Meanwhile, some in Congress seek stricter oversight on any U.S. engagement.
Tehran’s tone: Alongside condemnation, Iran has signaled tentative interest in nuclear negotiations—possibly mediated via Gulf states—but insists talks are futile while attacks continue.
Already a regional war: The direct exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran marks a full-blown military conflict, not just a limited proxy dispute.
Escalation risk remains high: Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, Hamas, and other regional actors could be drawn in. Moreover, Iran’s threat to leave the NPT and to deploy more advanced—and potentially nuclear-capable—weapons heightens the danger.
The global stakes: Oil markets and Western shipping routes are already feeling pressure; further escalation could damage global security and the economy.
Unless a cease-fire or diplomatic intervention takes hold soon, the conflict risks dragging on. Israel has pledged sustained strikes “for as many days as it takes,” while Iran appears prepared to retaliate even more fiercely.
This tit-for-tat aggression, coupled with Iran’s nuclear posture, places the region on the brink of a much broader and more perilous war.