Israeli Airstrikes Escalate Conflict with Iran, Targeting Nuclear and Military Sites

June 20, 2025 – Israel has sharply escalated its confrontation with Iran, launching a series of coordinated airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, including the Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities, major IRGC command centers, and missile bases. The campaign, which began in the early hours of June 13, marks the most significant direct conflict between the two countries to date.

Israeli fighter jets, including modified F-35I Adir stealth aircraft, carried out five waves of strikes, dropping over 330 munitions on approximately 100 targets across Iran. These attacks targeted critical components of Iran's nuclear program and military command, reportedly killing several senior Iranian commanders, including top IRGC officials and at least ten leading nuclear scientists. The strikes also destroyed key elements of Iran’s air defense and missile infrastructure, with Mossad reportedly sabotaging systems and establishing a covert drone base near Tehran to secure Israeli air superiority.

The Natanz Nuclear Facility and Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility suffered significant damage, though the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant was reportedly left unscathed. No operational nuclear reactors were targeted, and no nuclear accidents have been reported, though damaged centrifuges did release low-level radiation and industrial chemicals, posing localized risks. Additional strikes hit the Iranian Ministry of Justice, a refueling plane at Mashhad Airport, and the Iranian foreign ministry, as well as missile complexes near Tabriz and Kermanshah.

Iran responded by launching waves of missiles and drones at Israeli military sites and cities. The first wave included about 100 missiles and over 100 drones, with subsequent attacks causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure in Israel, including a hospital in the south and residential buildings in Haifa. Israeli authorities report at least 24 civilian deaths from Iranian strikes, while Iranian sources claim more than 200 Iranian civilians have died in the Israeli attacks.

The escalation follows the collapse of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and a finding by the International Atomic Energy Agency that Iran was non-compliant with its nuclear obligations for the first time in two decades. The U.S. has denied direct involvement in the strikes but faces mounting pressure as Israel seeks additional support, including possible use of American bunker-buster bombs to target Iran’s fortified sites. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of further consequences but indicated negotiations could still halt Israel’s offensive if Tehran agrees to scale back its nuclear ambitions.

International reaction has been swift, with the United Nations, Qatar, and the UAE calling for restraint. Western countries, including Germany and the U.S., have expressed support for Israel’s right to self-defense, while others, such as China, Russia, and several Islamic nations, have condemned the Israeli strikes as violations of international law.

As of June 20, the conflict shows no sign of abating, with both sides trading further missile and drone attacks and fears rising of a broader regional war. Iran has reportedly sought mediation through Oman and Qatar to revive nuclear negotiations and halt the strikes, while Israel has warned of even more severe actions if its demands are not met.