June 14, 2025: Tensions in the Middle East surged into open conflict as Iran launched a wave of missile and drone attacks on Israel early Saturday morning in retaliation for a devastating Israeli airstrike campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. The escalating hostilities have left at least 78 people dead in Iran and three civilians dead in Israel, with hundreds more injured on both sides.
Blistering Israeli Strikes Spark Retaliation
Israel’s unprecedented assault reportedly struck deep inside Iranian territory, targeting critical components of its nuclear programme and top military personnel. Among the dead are three high-ranking Iranian military leaders, including General Mohammad Bagheri, head of the Iranian armed forces; General Hossein Salami, commander of the Revolutionary Guard; and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, leader of Iran’s ballistic missile division.
The attack—described by Israeli sources as months in planning—was carried out using both fighter jets and drones covertly pre-positioned inside Iran. It reportedly targeted facilities in Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan, disrupting key nuclear infrastructure and damaging radar and missile defense installations.
UN nuclear watchdog Rafael Grossi confirmed that the above-ground section of the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility had been destroyed, though underground centrifuges appear to have survived. However, the loss of power to these sensitive systems may have caused critical damage.
Iran Responds with Missiles, Drones
In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities overnight. Explosions were reported in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Rishon Lezion, with sirens wailing across central Israel as civilians rushed to shelters.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed harsh punishment, calling the Israeli strike a “great crime” and promising that the perpetrators “will not escape.”
Casualties in Israel include three civilians killed: one woman in Tel Aviv and two people in Rishon Lezion. More than 50 people were injured, including some critically. Emergency services in Tel Aviv responded to fires and building collapses following direct hits.
Meanwhile, Iranian air defences lit up the skies over Tehran, with reports of explosions near Mehrabad International Airport. A fire was reported at the airport, although details remain unclear.
US Involvement and Regional Fallout
A US official confirmed that American ground-based air defence systems in the region helped intercept incoming Iranian missiles. The United States had been informed by Israel ahead of its strike on Iran, though Washington has since called for restraint from all sides.
Former US President Donald Trump, now re-elected, urged Iran to resume nuclear talks, warning via Truth Social that “Israel’s attacks will only get worse.”
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry signaled that future nuclear negotiations with the US are now in jeopardy. Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei accused the US of enabling Israel’s actions, saying further dialogue was now “meaningless.”
Despite this, no formal cancellation of the nuclear talks—scheduled for Sunday in Oman—has been announced.
Risk of Full-Scale War Looms
With both sides vowing continued action, fears are mounting over the possibility of a full-scale war between the two regional powers. The Israeli military has indicated preparedness for a conflict that could last up to two weeks, with more strikes potentially in the pipeline.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation’s goal is to “eliminate any Iranian threat,” while simultaneously calling on the Iranian people to rise against their government. He clarified, however, that Israel is not actively seeking regime change.
The strikes have already disrupted air travel across the Middle East. Though Jordan and Lebanon have since reopened their airspace, commercial aviation through the region remains cautious.
International Reactions
Leaders around the world have called for immediate de-escalation. Several countries in the region, including Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, condemned Israel’s initial strikes, while others expressed concern over the potential for broader conflict.
This marks the most serious military confrontation between Israel and Iran in decades, pushing the already unstable region closer to a dangerous tipping point.
Key Developments:
- Israel kills three top Iranian generals, including armed forces chief.
- Iran retaliates with drone and missile attacks on Israeli cities.
- Civilian casualties reported on both sides.
- UN nuclear agency confirms Natanz facility partially destroyed.
- US air defences involved; nuclear talks in jeopardy.
- Global calls for de-escalation grow amid fears of all-out war.
The situation remains fluid as both nations brace for what could be a prolonged and highly volatile conflict.
