Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates: Missile Strikes Hit Nuclear Sites and Cities as Civilian Toll Mounts

June 20, 2025 – The Israel-Iran conflict has entered its second week with unprecedented intensity, as both nations exchange missile strikes targeting military, nuclear, and civilian infrastructure.

Israel initiated the latest escalation on June 13 with a series of large-scale preemptive airstrikes against dozens of Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility and other key infrastructure. Israeli forces deployed more than 200 fighter jets in coordinated attacks, aiming to cripple Iran's nuclear program and military command structure. The opening wave included targeted assassinations of senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, with Israeli officials stating their objective was to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Iran responded with ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Be’er Sheva, and military installations. Iranian strikes caused significant destruction in residential areas and hit the Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel, wounding at least 271 people and killing at least two dozen civilians, according to Israeli authorities. Iranian state media reported over 224 deaths from Israeli strikes, with many casualties among civilians, though independent verification remains unavailable.

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed damage to several Iranian nuclear sites, including the Khondab reactor and centrifuge production facilities, but no nuclear accidents have been reported. Israeli sabotage efforts also targeted Iran’s air defense systems, reportedly enabling Israeli jets to operate with air superiority over Iranian airspace.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has vowed a “harsh response” to the Israeli attacks, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes were intended to “cripple Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities” and suggested regime destabilization could be a consequence, though he emphasized that “it is the Iranian populace’s responsibility to fight for their freedom”.

Diplomatic efforts to halt the violence have stalled. Iran has suspended nuclear talks with the United States, accusing Washington of complicity in the Israeli attacks. U.S. President Donald Trump, who cut short his attendance at the G7 summit, has warned Iran against targeting American forces and stated that a decision on direct U.S. involvement in the conflict will be made within two weeks. European officials are urging Tehran to return to negotiations, but Iran insists that all Israeli aggression must cease before talks resume.

The risk of broader regional escalation remains high, with concerns mounting over potential disruptions to global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz as the conflict continues into its eighth day.