Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates: Tehran Blasts, Tel Aviv Sirens, Massive Missile Attacks, Netanyahu Targets Khamenei, Trump Warns on Nuclear Weapons, Gaza War Toll Rises
Explosions and Missile Attacks
Tehran, Iran’s capital, was rocked by blasts after Israeli airstrikes targeted key sites, including Iran’s state television headquarters during a live broadcast. In response, Iran launched a massive wave of missile and drone attacks on Israel, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Iran claims this will be its largest-ever missile assault, aiming to retaliate for Israel’s strikes. The Israeli military reported intercepting many of the incoming missiles, but some hit residential areas, causing damage and casualties.
Israeli Strikes and Claims: Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” launched on June 13, 2025, targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile sites, and military leadership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes have significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear program, potentially setting it back years. Israel also hit Iran’s Defense Ministry, Quds Force headquarters, and oil depots, claiming “full aerial superiority” over Tehran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported killing key Iranian figures, including IRGC intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy.
Netanyahu’s Stance on Khamenei:
Netanyahu sparked controversy by saying that assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would end the conflict without escalating it further. Reports indicate U.S. President Donald Trump rejected an Israeli proposal to target Khamenei, a move Netanyahu denied discussing. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Tehran would “burn” if Iran continues its attacks.
Trump’s Warning:
Trump posted on social media, urging Tehran residents to flee and declaring that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons. He has pushed for Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal but vetoed a G7 statement calling for de-escalation. The U.S. has denied direct military involvement but provided defensive support, helping Israel intercept some Iranian missiles. The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv closed due to nearby missile strikes, with minor damage reported.
Casualties:
Israel’s attacks on Iran have killed over 220 people, including 70 women and children, according to Iran’s Health Ministry. Iranian missile strikes on Israel have killed at least 24, with nearly 600 injured, including 10 seriously wounded. In Israel, specific incidents include a missile strike in Bat Yam killing six, including two children, and another in Tel Aviv injuring eight. In Iran, civilian sites like Farabi Hospital in Kermanshah and a fuel depot in Tehran were hit, causing significant civilian losses.
Gaza Conflict:
Alongside the Iran conflict, Israel’s war in Gaza continues, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 55,432 deaths and 128,923 injuries since October 2023. The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel killed approximately 1,139 people, with over 200 taken hostage. Recent Israeli actions include recovering two hostages’ bodies and diverting a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying activist Greta Thunberg.
International Response:
Iran has sought a U.S.-brokered ceasefire through mediators like Oman and Qatar, but talks scheduled for June 15 were canceled due to ongoing attacks. The International Atomic Energy Agency warned of potential contamination at Iran’s damaged Natanz nuclear site. The EU is coordinating diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, while Russia’s Vladimir Putin held talks with both Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Civilian Impact:
In Tehran, residents are fleeing amid confusion over safe zones, as Israeli warnings to evacuate near military sites are vague. In Israel, civilians face nightly missile alerts, with damaged homes and infrastructure. Both sides report significant disruption, with Iran’s oil and gas sector hit hard, impacting the global economy.
The conflict, now in its fifth day, shows no signs of slowing, with both Israel and Iran vowing to continue their attacks. The situation remains fluid, and further escalation could have severe regional and global consequences. For real-time updates, sources like Reuters, CNN, or The New York Times are reliable.