The most perilous stage of the Iran-Israel conflict 2025 has begun. What started out as a retaliatory operation has turned into one of the biggest military conflicts in the Middle East in decades, killing hundreds of people, uprooting thousands more, and raising the possibility of a full-scale war.
Iran Responds with Force: Operation True Promise III
Following an Israeli strike that martyred several top Iranian military and nuclear officials, Iran launched Operation True Promise III. Between June 13 and 14, more than 150 ballistic missiles and dozens of armed drones rained down on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Rishon LeZion.
Explosions shook major urban centers. Sirens sent families scrambling to bomb shelters. In Rishon LeZion, a missile killed one person and left several others seriously injured. Despite Israel’s Iron Dome intercepting many incoming threats, at least six civilians have died, with many more wounded.
Operation Rising Lion: The Forceful Retaliation by Israel
Israel responded swiftly and violently. As part of Operation Rising Lion, the IDF struck over 400 strategic targets inside Iran, including:
- The Nuclear Plant in Natanz
- The IRGC Headquarters in Tehran
- Facilities for storing missiles at Isfahan
- Oil and gas facilities that are vital to Iran’s economy
Several high-ranking military officials have been among the more than 100 confirmed deaths in Iran. Emergency hospitals in Tehran, Qom, and other cities are overwhelmed with the injured.
Iran–Israel Conflict 2025 Deepens
Third Day of Heavy Strikes
- Iran launched two more waves of missile and drone attacks into Israel overnight. Cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa experienced fresh explosions and blackouts.
- 10 to 13 civilians are now confirmed dead in Israel from Iranian attacks.
Expanded Israeli Bombardment
- Israel intensified its airstrikes, targeting sites across Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Esfahan.
- Reports suggest Mossad-assisted drone teams were used to disable Iranian air defenses before the main strikes.
Humanitarian Death Toll Increasing
- Iran reports that Israeli bombardment has killed at least 406 people and injured over 650 more.
- More than 100,000 people are escaping from cities like Tehran and making their way to northern provinces like Gilan and Mazandaran.
Global Response: Moderation Requests
Leaders around the world are voicing concerns:
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres has demanded an immediate de-escalation.
- If the conflict persists, President Emmanuel Macron has warned of instability in the region.
- Several neighbours, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan, have increased their military alert levels.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly warned Iran against targeting American assets and stated the U.S. may support Israel if the conflict expands. Trump also reportedly vetoed a plan to assassinate Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying it would be “a step too far.”
Wider War on the Horizon?
Regional proxies are mobilizing:
- Hezbollah in Lebanon
- Shiite militias in Iraq
- The Houthis in Yemen
All are on high alert, preparing for the possibility of direct engagement. Iran has hinted at a “stronger second wave” if Israel attacks persist. Meanwhile, Israel has not ruled out further operations against Iran’s nuclear program.
One Israeli analyst warned:
“We’re no longer in a shadow war. We’re staring down a real one.”
Voices from the Ground
In Tel Aviv, teacher Lior recounted the panic:
“We ran to the shelter with our kids. My hands were shaking too hard to hold my phone.”
In Tehran, university student Narges said:
“We want peace but not surrender. Our leaders are gone, and we won’t stay silent.”
Economic Shockwaves
- Oil prices jumped 12% overnight.
- Gold prices surged as investors fled to safety.
- Airlines are rerouting flights, and shipping insurers are hiking rates in the Persian Gulf.
The economic fallout is spreading quickly beyond the battlefield.
Final Thoughts
The entire world is waiting and observing. The road back gets smaller with each new missile launch, and diplomacy seems farther away. The effects on civilians, regional stability, and the world economy are already profound. Will world powers finally intervene or will the region plunge further into chaos?
