The Iran-Israel conflict has been going on for about 40-45 years. The two countries are bitter enemies of each other. The current situation arose after the deaths of Iranian officials in Israel’s attack on Iran.
The Iran-Israel conflict, which has its roots in decades of ideological and geopolitical tensions, has seen tensions between the two countries escalate significantly in the past few years, escalating from a proxy war to outright conflict after Israel’s June 13 invasion.
The conflict stems from Iran’s hostility toward Israel since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran’s view of it as an illegitimate state, and Iran’s perception of Israel as an existential threat due to its nuclear ambitions and support for anti-Israel groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
Historical context:
● Before 1979: Iran and Israel maintained secret relations under the Shah, driven by shared interests against Arab powers.
The 1979 Islamic Revolution ended this, with Iran adopting an anti-Israel stance, supporting Palestinian groups and Hezbollah.
● Proxy Conflict (1980-2023): During Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, Iran supported Hezbollah and funded Palestinian groups like Hamas. Israel carried out airstrikes on Iranian targets in Syria and killed nuclear scientists, while Iran armed proxies to attack Israel.
● Recent Events Escalation (2024-2025):
April 2024: Israel bombed an Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing senior officials. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israel, which were largely stopped with the help of the US and its allies. Israel responded with limited strikes on Iranian missile sites, indicating a de-escalation of tensions.
October 2024: Iran fires 180 ballistic missiles at Israel after Israel kills Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and an Iranian general. Israel’s attacks on Iranian air defenses weaken Tehran’s capabilities.
June 2025: Israel carries out major airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities (e.g., Natanz), missile sites, and military leadership, killing top commanders and nuclear scientists such as Hossein Salami and Mohammad Bagheri. Iran reports 78 deaths, mostly civilians, and over 320 injuries.
Iran retaliates with ballistic missile strikes on Tel Aviv on June 14, reportedly injuring 34.
Latest Situation Following Israel’s June 2025 Attacks on Iran (as of June 14, 2025, 06:30 AM IST)
● Overview: On June 13, 2025, Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a large-scale military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile sites, and senior military and scientific personnel.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel, escalating the conflict and raising fears of a broader regional war. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing military actions and diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis.
● Current Developments: Israeli Operations: Israel continues airstrikes on Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities like Natanz, military bases in Hamadan and Tabriz, and ballistic missile sites. The IDF reports over 200 strikes, with significant damage to Natanz’s aboveground enrichment plant, though underground facilities at Natanz and Fordow remain intact.
No elevated radiation levels have been reported, per the IAEA. Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon, claimed Iran could produce fissile material for multiple bombs within days, justifying the strikes as preemptive.
● Iranian Retaliation: Iran launched over 100 ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, targeting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other areas on June 13-14, dubbed “Operation Severe Punishment.” At least 41 Israelis were injured, with two in serious condition and several buildings damaged in Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv.
Most missiles were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome, with U.S. assistance. Iran’s proxies, including Yemen’s Houthis and Iraqi militias, conducted additional attacks, with a Houthi missile landing in the West Bank.
● Casualties and Damage: Iran reports 78 deaths, including senior IRGC commanders (Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, Amir Ali Hajizadeh) and nuclear scientists (Fereydoun Abbasi, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi), with over 320 injured, mostly civilians. Israel reports 63 injuries from Iranian strikes, with ongoing rescue operations in affected areas.
● Iranian Response: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a “harsh response,” calling Israel’s actions a “declaration of war.” Iran’s air defenses are active in Tehran, particularly near leadership compounds, but weakened defenses limit its capacity.
Iran canceled scheduled nuclear talks with the U.S. in Oman on June 15, 2025, and vowed to continue uranium enrichment.
International Reactions:
U.S.: The U.S. was not militarily involved but provided intelligence and helped intercept Iranian missiles. President Trump, briefed beforehand, called the strikes “excellent” but urged diplomacy, warning Iran of further Israeli attacks if no nuclear deal is reached. The U.S. is monitoring energy supply impacts and has evacuated nonessential personnel from Iraq.
UN and Allies: The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging restraint to avoid deeper conflict. European leaders (Germany, France, UK) called for de-escalation, though Germany and the Czech Republic expressed support for Israel’s security concerns. Russia condemned Israel’s actions as a violation of international law, while China and Turkey called for peace.
Regional Impact: Oil prices surged 7% due to fears of disrupted supply. European airlines canceled flights, and Iran closed its airspace. The conflict risks involving Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” (Hezbollah, Houthis), though their capabilities are diminished.
Implications:
The conflict has disrupted U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, with Iran rejecting demands to halt uranium enrichment. Israel’s strikes aim to delay Iran’s nuclear program but may not destroy fortified underground facilities without U.S. support.
Iran’s retaliatory capacity is limited by damaged defenses and leadership losses, but further missile strikes or proxy attacks are likely. The risk of miscalculation could lead to a wider war, impacting global energy markets and regional stability.
Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Russia, China, and Turkey advocating for de-escalation, but mutual distrust and Israel’s ongoing operations complicate resolution.