Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates with Heavy Airstrikes and Retaliation

Israeli airstrikes light up the night sky over Iran in a dramatic escalation of hostilities, June 13–14, 2025.

Tensions in the Middle East have dramatically intensified as Israel launched a large-scale airstrike campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, in what officials are calling “Operation Rising Lion.” The offensive, which began late June 13 and continued into June 14, marks one of the most significant escalations in the region in recent years.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed multiple waves of fighter jets struck facilities believed to be tied to Iran’s nuclear development, missile storage, and Revolutionary Guard bases. The strikes reportedly killed dozens of military personnel and damaged vital infrastructure, including key command and communication sites. Unconfirmed reports suggest parts of Iran’s air defense systems were overwhelmed by the scale and precision of the attacks.

Iran responded swiftly. Early June 14, Tehran launched several ballistic missiles toward Israel, some of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system. Others landed in civilian areas, causing casualties and structural damage in central and southern Israel. Air raid sirens blared throughout the day in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, forcing thousands into shelters.

In a separate development, Iran's proxies in the region—including Hezbollah and Houthi rebels—fired rockets and drones toward Israeli targets. One of the Houthi drones reportedly struck the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, sparking fires in a residential area.

Iranian state media announced the deaths of at least 87 people, including civilians and military staff, while vowing “a broader and united response.” The Supreme National Security Council convened in an emergency session and stated Iran will not tolerate further aggression. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, “The Zionist regime has crossed the red line. It will face consequences beyond calculation.”

International leaders have expressed deep concern. The United Nations called for an immediate ceasefire, while U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed support for Israel’s right to self-defense but urged restraint. China and Russia condemned Israel’s actions, calling for a diplomatic resolution to the long-standing tensions between the two nations.

Meanwhile, the attacks have had economic repercussions. Iran’s South Pars gas field—one of the largest in the world—partially shut down operations due to fire damage caused by the Israeli airstrikes. Global oil and gas prices surged by 4.7% on Friday amid fears of supply disruption.

The conflict threatens to destabilize the broader Middle East. With several Arab states urging calm and Western powers deliberating sanctions or mediation, the world watches closely as two regional powers edge toward full-scale war. Intelligence reports suggest both nations have placed missile and drone units on high alert, and cyberattacks have already been detected targeting Israel's electrical grid and Iran’s communications infrastructure.

This rapidly evolving situation has overshadowed global diplomatic meetings, including the G7 Summit in Canada, where leaders are now prioritizing discussions on regional stability, nuclear nonproliferation, and humanitarian responses in light of the Israel–Iran escalation.