In June 2025, Iran and Israel entered direct war for the first time, ending years of covert hostilities. The three-day conflict reshaped regional dynamics and left lasting military, civilian, and diplomatic consequences.
A new era of open conflict
Between June 13–15, 2025, the long-standing shadow conflict between Iran and Israel exploded into overt warfare, marking a historic escalation that shattered regional norms and ushered in a dangerous new chapter in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion," a broad, multi-domain campaign aimed at neutralising Iran’s nuclear threat, degrading its missile and air defence systems, and eliminating senior military leadership. Iran responded with "Operation True Promise III," unleashing a series of drone and ballistic missile attacks that penetrated Israel’s defences and inflicted civilian casualties and structural damage.
This sudden rupture ended the era of covert sabotage and proxy warfare. The international community scrambled to contain the fallout, but the consequences of this war will define strategic calculations across the region for years to come.
The end of the shadows: From covert to overt war
The direct confrontation did not arise overnight. It was the culmination of years of rising tensions and the collapse of the diplomatic architecture that once constrained Iran’s nuclear ambitions. After the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, Iran progressively resumed uranium enrichment activities. By 2023, it had amassed enough fissile material to potentially produce a nuclear weapon in under two weeks. Israel, viewing this as an existential threat, intensified its covert campaign, targeting Iranian nuclear scientists, sabotaging facilities like Natanz, and undermining Iran’s nuclear progress. But these efforts only delayed, rather than stopped, Iran's progress.
By 2024, the regional balance shifted significantly. Israel dismantled Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in Lebanon and saw the Assad regime collapse in Syria. Tehran’s proxy network, its “Axis of Resistance”, was severely weakened. Limited skirmishes between Israel and Iran in April and October 2024 exposed critical gaps in Iran’s missile accuracy and air defence coordination. Israel’s intelligence community saw a rare window of opportunity opening in early 2025. With Iran’s regional posture weakened and its military vulnerabilities revealed, the stage was set for a full-scale offensive.
Diplomatic efforts collapsed entirely in June 2025. Talks led by the Trump administration stalled. On June 12, the IAEA censured Iran, accusing it of withholding cooperation. Tehran, misinterpreting Israel’s increased military posture as posturing for leverage rather than preparation for war, failed to prepare for the onslaught that followed. Within hours, Israel struck.
Operation Rising Lion: Israel’s multi-domain assault
At dawn on June 13, over 200 Israeli fighter jets and support aircraft launched coordinated attacks on over 100 strategic targets across Iran. The campaign, unprecedented in scope, blended advanced aerial warfare with Mossad-led covert operations and drone strikes from pre-positioned assets. The assault aimed to catch Iran off-guard and paralyse its ability to retaliate.
One of the main objectives was to eliminate Iran’s senior military and scientific leadership. Top commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the General Staff, including Major General Hossein Salami, Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and several nuclear scientists, were killed. The strikes removed a generation of experienced leaders, many of whom had shaped Iran’s military doctrine since the Iran-Iraq War.
Simultaneously, Israeli jets destroyed key nuclear infrastructure. The Natanz enrichment complex’s Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant was annihilated, crippling Iran’s advanced centrifuge capability. The underground Fordow facility was damaged around its periphery, likely as preparation for future strikes. The Isfahan Uranium Conversion Centre also sustained severe damage. The IAEA later confirmed radiological contamination within these sites.
The campaign continued with strikes on Iran’s missile bases, radar networks, and airfields. Key launch facilities in Kermanshah and missile depots were destroyed. Air defences were blinded as Israeli aircraft cratered runways and disabled radar coordination sites.
On June 14, the operation shifted into economic warfare. Israeli drones and munitions targeted oil depots near Tehran and gas processing sites tied to South Pars. Massive explosions halted production and disrupted domestic supply, signalling a strategic escalation intended to weaken Iran’s long-term capacity to fund military and nuclear ambitions.
Operation True Promise III: Iran’s retaliation
Iran’s response, launched within hours, was multifaceted. Hundreds of Shahed-series drones were dispatched in initial waves, most intercepted by Israeli, Jordanian, and American forces. The drone attacks were followed by at least seven distinct barrages of ballistic missiles. While Israel’s advanced Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems intercepted the majority, the volume overwhelmed parts of the network.
Missiles struck residential areas in Tel Aviv, Rishon LeZion, Bat Yam, and even damaged infrastructure in Haifa. Civilian fatalities included children, and dozens were injured. A missile hit near the IDF's headquarters in Tel Aviv, and another damaged labs at the Weizmann Institute.
Iran’s Houthi allies in Yemen fired long-range missiles in coordination, but Hezbollah abstained from active participation, likely due to the losses it suffered in 2024. Iran’s retaliation, though intense, was largely a solo effort, highlighting its strategic isolation.
Counting the Cost: Lives, Cities, and Capabilities Lost
The brief but intense confrontation between Iran and Israel from June 13 to 15, 2025, resulted in considerable human casualties and widespread infrastructure damage in both countries. While active hostilities tapered off by the evening of June 15, the consequences continued to unfold across military, civilian, and economic domains. The conflict has left behind a complex legacy of losses, disruptions, and vulnerabilities, highlighting the multidimensional nature of modern warfare.
Impact in Iran
Iran experienced substantial casualties and infrastructural damage as a result of Israeli air and drone strikes targeting military and strategic installations. Iranian authorities reported at least 128 civilian fatalities and over 900 injuries during the first 48 hours of hostilities. Hospitals in major cities, including Tehran and Isfahan, faced an influx of patients suffering from trauma, blast injuries, and, in isolated cases, exposure to hazardous materials.
One of the most severe incidents occurred in Tehran’s District 8, where the collapse of a high-rise residential building resulted in the deaths of 60 people, including children. The structure was reportedly housing families of military personnel. Iranian state media provided extensive coverage of the incident, amplifying both public reaction and government statements.
On the military front, Iranian officials confirmed the deaths of at least 20 senior defence personnel, including commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the General Staff. The loss of experienced leadership posed immediate challenges to operational coordination and continuity.
Strategic infrastructure also sustained significant damage. The Natanz nuclear complex was a primary target, where Israeli strikes reportedly disabled key components of the uranium enrichment programme, including the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant. While the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no external radiation leakage, internal contamination within the facility was reported. Localised power outages affected critical services, including water treatment and emergency care systems, particularly in Isfahan province.
Israel also expanded its campaign to include economic targets. Strikes on the Shahran oil depot and natural gas processing facilities in Bushehr province caused large-scale fires and production halts. The Iranian Ministry of Oil estimated direct damage exceeding $4.2 billion within the initial 72 hours. Disruptions in fuel distribution and electricity delivery were reported in multiple regions, prompting a temporary strain on essential services and supply chains.
Impact in Israel
While Israel’s air defence systems intercepted a majority of Iran’s missile and drone attacks, several projectiles penetrated its multi-layered shield, resulting in casualties and damage across multiple cities. According to Israeli emergency services, 13 individuals were killed and more than 435 were injured during the conflict period. Among the casualties were children and residents of apartment blocks struck in central and coastal regions, including Bat Yam and Rishon LeZion.
Iranian ballistic missiles also struck strategic locations. A research facility linked to the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot sustained limited structural damage. While there was no compromise of hazardous materials, the incident prompted security reviews at similar installations nationwide.
Haifa, a hub for Israel’s northern economic and energy infrastructure, was targeted by multiple missiles. Damage was reported at oil pipelines and adjacent industrial sites. Though the city’s core utilities remained functional, fire and rescue operations continued for several hours, raising concerns over emergency preparedness during saturation attacks.
The conflict also triggered indirect economic repercussions. Ben Gurion International Airport temporarily suspended operations, causing flight delays and international diversions. The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange recorded a single-day drop of 9%, reflecting investor anxiety. The Israeli Ministry of Finance projected wartime costs and economic disruption at approximately $2.7 billion for the second quarter of 2025.
The world reacts: A diplomatic scramble
The Iran–Israel conflict of June 2025 triggered urgent international responses aimed at preventing further escalation.
The United States maintained a position of strategic ambiguity. While publicly distancing itself from Israel’s offensive, U.S. forces intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory. President Trump warned Iran against targeting American assets, while also suggesting the strikes could pressure Tehran back into nuclear negotiations.
At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres called for immediate de-escalation. The IAEA confirmed damage at the Natanz nuclear facility and urged respect for the principle that nuclear sites must not be attacked. Humanitarian organisations, including the Red Cross, expressed concern over civilian safety.
Russia and China condemned the Israeli operation, citing violations of international law. Both countries urged restraint and offered to mediate potential diplomatic solutions, highlighting their broader strategic interest in regional stability.
Across the region, reactions focused on containment. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan called for calm, with Jordan intercepting Iranian drones over its airspace. Turkey issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s actions, while also initiating consultations through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Global markets and institutions
The conflict also triggered immediate fluctuations in global energy and financial markets. Brent crude oil prices briefly surged above $110 per barrel on fears of disruption to Gulf shipping lanes. Insurance premiums for commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz spiked, prompting logistical re-routing and concerns over global supply chains. International stock markets reacted with volatility, particularly in sectors exposed to Middle Eastern energy or defence procurement.
In response, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a preliminary note warning of the macroeconomic risks posed by prolonged instability, while the World Bank cautioned about potential delays in regional development initiatives.
A major Israeli airstrike in central Tehran has killed the head of Iran’s IRGC intelligence directorate and his deputy, dealing a serious blow to the country's internal security network.
On Day 3 of the escalating conflict, a new wave of ballistic missiles was launched from Iran towards Israel, striking fear across the region as explosions were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
"MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN" — President Donald J. Trump called for peace between Israel and Iran, saying diplomacy is underway and a deal is within reach.
President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed on Sunday that Iran has asked Cyprus to relay “some messages” to Israel, as tensions continue to rise sharply in the Middle East.
British Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said on Sunday that the decision to deploy additional Royal Air Force jets to the Middle East was primarily aimed at safeguarding UK personnel and military infrastructure, though support for allies, including Israel, remains on the table.
Thousands rallied in Athens to call for the opening of the Rafah border crossing and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
George Russell claimed victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, securing Mercedes’ first win of the season in the 10th round of the Formula 1 World Championship.
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Peru, killing at least one person and causing damage across the capital, Lima.
A major Israeli airstrike in central Tehran has killed the head of Iran’s IRGC intelligence directorate and his deputy, dealing a serious blow to the country's internal security network.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation advisory for Iranian civilians living near weapons production sites and associated infrastructure within Iran. The message was shared on the social media platform X in both Arabic and Farsi by an official military spokesperson.
An Air India flight with 242 passengers on board crashed in Meghaninagar, close to Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat, on Thursday afternoon.
Kazakhstan has selected Russia’s Rosatom to lead the construction of its first nuclear power plant, edging out bids from China, France, and South Korea, in a move that deepens energy ties with Moscow despite public unease over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
On 15 June, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the credentials of Ahmed Metani, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Palestine.
On June 15, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the credentials of Kang Kymgu, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea. Following the formal presentation of credentials, President Aliyev held a meeting with Ambassador Kymgu.
Azerbaijan is facilitating the evacuation of foreign nationals from Iran, a process that has included private citizens and diplomatic staff. The assistance has involved providing transit for Kyrgyz citizens and, subsequently, the staff and families of the Kyrgyz Embassy in Tehran.
Azerbaijan will not permit any country to use its territory to strike a third party, including Iran, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov tells his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in a phone call on Saturday.
Thousands rallied in Athens to call for the opening of the Rafah border crossing and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to support Greenland, saying the Arctic island is not for sale and warning of growing "predatory ambition" toward the region.
George Russell claimed victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, securing Mercedes’ first win of the season in the 10th round of the Formula 1 World Championship.
A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck central Peru, killing at least one person and causing damage across the capital, Lima.
A major Israeli airstrike in central Tehran has killed the head of Iran’s IRGC intelligence directorate and his deputy, dealing a serious blow to the country's internal security network.
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