Israel-Iran Conflict: After the discussion of the possibility of Iran being very close to developing nuclear weapons, Israel targeted dozens of Iranian sites on June 13 under Operation Rising Lion, during which several senior Iranian military officials and 10 nuclear scientists were also victims of the Israeli attack. More than 200 Iranian civilians were also killed during this attack.
In response to the attack by Israel, Iran targeted Israeli military sites, American defense systems and civilian sites with more than 100 missiles under Operation True Promise III. Both countries are continuously targeting each other’s military, civilian and civilian sites.
Meanwhile, on June 18, US President Trump tried to pressure Iran for an agreement, which Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei refused to accept. After which there were reports today that the US will attack Iran soon. Which Trump rejected by tweeting.
Below is a detailed summary of the main events that occurred during the ongoing tensions between Israel-Iran:
Background and Lead-Up (June 10-12, 2025)
● June 10: United States Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Michael Kurilla warned that Iran could produce weapons-grade uranium within a week, though estimates for developing an actual nuclear weapon ranged from 7 to 12 months.
● June 12: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years, citing “many failures” to provide full answers about undeclared nuclear material and its stockpile of enriched uranium (up to 60% purity, near weapons-grade).
This finding came a day before Israel’s strikes and followed the expiration of a two-month deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to halt its nuclear program.
Outbreak of War (June 13, 2025)
● June 13: Israel launched a surprise attack, termed “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting dozens of Iranian sites, including nuclear facilities (Natanz and Isfahan), military bases, and air defenses. The strikes killed several Iranian military leaders, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials, at least ten nuclear scientists, and over 200 civilians, according to Iranian sources.
The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant reportedly sustained minimal damage. Iran accused the IAEA’s report of providing a pretext for Israel’s actions.
● Iran’s response, codenamed Operation True Promise III, involved launching over 100 Shahed drones and ballistic missiles targeting Israeli military bases, air bases, and civilian areas. Israeli air defenses, supported by U.S. missile defense systems, intercepted many projectiles.
Escalation and Key Events (June 14-20, 2025)
● June 14: Israel expanded its campaign, striking Iranian energy infrastructure, including the Shahran oil depot and Shahr Rey oil refinery in Tehran, exacerbating Iran’s energy crisis. Iran launched additional missile barrages, though their scale decreased due to Israeli strikes on missile launchers.
● June 15: Iranian missile attacks killed at least 10 people in Israel, including in Haifa and Bat Yam. Israel targeted military sites in Tehran and nuclear facilities, with unverified reports of strikes on the Amand Missile Base near Tabriz.
● June 16: Israel struck Iran’s state broadcaster (IRINN) during a live broadcast, killing at least two employees, and targeted energy facilities, causing widespread panic in Tehran. Iran executed Esmail Fekri, convicted of espionage for Israel’s Mossad. Iranian missile strikes hit residential areas in Israel, killing eight in Bat Yam.
● June 17: The IAEA confirmed significant damage to Natanz’s underground infrastructure, with up to 15,000 centrifuges likely destroyed due to a power cut caused by Israeli strikes. Iran launched smaller missile barrages (20-40 missiles), with the IDF reporting the destruction of 35-45% of Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile and half of its launchers.
● June 18: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei rejected Trump’s call for “unconditional surrender,” warning of “irreparable damage” if the U.S. intervened. Israel struck military and nuclear sites in Isfahan and Kahraj, while Iran fired advanced Sejjil-2 missiles at Israel, with eight intercepted.
● June 19: Iran’s missile attack struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, injuring 271 people (four seriously). Israel targeted Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor and issued evacuation warnings for nearby residents. Iran imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, and thousands of Israelis became homeless due to missile attacks.
● June 20: Trump announced he would decide within two weeks whether the U.S. would strike Iran, shifting from earlier calls for immediate action. European officials prepared to meet Iranian counterparts in Geneva to discuss de-escalation and nuclear negotiations.
Israel continued strikes on Tehran and other sites, while Iran signaled interest in diplomacy but maintained its stance on uranium enrichment.
Civilian and Regional Impact
● Casualties: By June 19, Iran reported 224 deaths (including 74 women and children) and 1,800 injuries, while Israel reported 24 civilian deaths and nearly 600 injuries.
● Displacement: Thousands of Israelis were displaced, with 5,110 classified as homeless. In Iran, mass evacuations from Tehran caused traffic chaos, with many residents unsure of safe destinations.
● International Response: The U.S. evacuated some personnel from Iraq and bolstered regional defenses. G7 leaders, Russia, Qatar, and Jordan condemned the escalation, while France’s Emmanuel Macron warned against regime change through military means.
● Humanitarian Concerns: Amnesty International urged both sides to protect civilians, citing violations of international humanitarian law. Iran restricted internet access, limiting civilian communication, while Israel faced accusations of targeting civilian infrastructure.
● Israel’s Objectives: Israel aimed to neutralize Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, citing them as existential threats. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed significant setbacks to Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though the Fordow facility remained largely operational.
● Iran’s Response: Iran’s retaliatory strikes focused on military targets but caused civilian casualties, drawing criticism. The IRGC claimed to target Israeli intelligence and command centers, denying deliberate attacks on civilian sites like Soroka hospital.
● U.S. Involvement: Trump’s rhetoric oscillated between threats of military action and openness to diplomacy. The U.S. supported Israel’s missile defenses but avoided direct strikes, with some officials expressing concern over Trump’s unpredictable policy.