Tehran Faces Escalating Tensions Amid Israeli Strikes and Iranian Retaliation

Tehran, June 15, 2025 – The conflict between Iran and Israel has sharply escalated, with both nations exchanging missile barrages and airstrikes over the past three days, fueling international fears of a broader Middle East war.

Israeli forces initiated the latest round of hostilities with a large-scale air raid on Tehran, targeting nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, and an oil refinery. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that the operation aimed to eliminate key figures in Iran’s nuclear program, with several top nuclear scientists and military personnel killed. The strikes also hit the Shahran oil depot and the Iranian defense ministry building, causing fires and minor damage in civilian neighborhoods.

In response, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Explosions lit up the night skies, and the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system was activated to intercept incoming projectiles. Despite these defenses, several missiles struck residential areas, resulting in civilian casualties. At least 63 Israelis were injured, and a woman in her twenties was killed when a missile hit a home in northern Israel. Iranian attacks also killed at least 10 people in Israel, with reports of widespread destruction in both countries.

The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session as global leaders called for restraint. Iran’s Foreign Minister warned that further attacks on energy infrastructure could draw the entire Persian Gulf region into conflict. Tehran is reportedly considering closing key oil transit routes, a move that has already caused oil prices to spike and disrupted global shipping and air traffic.

Domestically, the Iranian rial plummeted to a record low, exacerbating economic hardship as inflation soared above 40%. The strikes have killed not only military personnel but also civilians, athletes, and cultural figures, with widespread destruction reported in urban areas. Public opinion in Iran is divided, with some citizens criticizing the government’s focus on nuclear ambitions over domestic needs, while others participated in mass anti-Israel demonstrations.

The United States confirmed it supplied Israel with missiles before the assault, prompting Iran to suspend ongoing nuclear negotiations until Israeli attacks cease. Both Israeli and Iranian officials have signaled that further attacks are likely, raising the specter of a protracted and potentially regional conflict.

As the crisis deepens, the international community remains on high alert, with the risk of escalation threatening not just the two nations but the broader stability of the Middle East.