Israel-Iran Conflict Intensifies: Strikes and Retaliation

Israel Targets Iran’s Nuclear Sites, Sparking Missile Response

June 14, 2025 - The Middle East faces a dangerous escalation as Israel and Iran exchange heavy military blows. On June 13, Israel launched a preemptive operation with 200 fighter jets, striking over 100 targets in Iran, including a uranium enrichment facility near Natanz and military bases in Tehran and Isfahan. The attacks killed key Iranian figures, including Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami, and dealt a significant blow to Iran’s nuclear program, according to Israeli officials.

Iran retaliated with a volley of ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other Israeli cities. Social media posts on X reported explosions in Tehran and flashes over Iraq, with Israel’s Iron Dome defense system overwhelmed by the barrage. At least 35 Israelis were injured by shrapnel, and a civilian was rescued from a damaged building in Tel Aviv’s city center.

Global Calls for Restraint Amid Rising Tensions

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, labeled the Israeli strikes a “heinous act” and vowed a severe counterattack, raising fears of a broader conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the assault “state terrorism” and asserted Iran’s right to self-defense under international law. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation as critical to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

International leaders are urging de-escalation. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for calm to avoid further instability. The U.S., reportedly not informed of Israel’s plans, has evacuated some personnel and heightened security at its embassies. Nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, set to resume in Oman, now face uncertainty, with President Donald Trump expressing skepticism about diplomacy.

Market Chaos and Regional Risks

The conflict has triggered global economic tremors, with oil prices jumping up to 14% and the Dow falling 868 points on Friday. Posts on X described chaos in Israel, with residents flocking to supermarkets to stock up on supplies amid a state of emergency. Iran-aligned groups, such as Yemen’s Houthis, claimed additional missile strikes on Israel, heightening fears of a regional war.

The U.N. Security Council is preparing for an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Analysts warn that further escalation could involve other regional actors, destabilizing the Middle East further. As both nations brace for more retaliation, the world awaits the next developments in this volatile situation.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Reuters, The New York Times, The Times of Israel

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