Israel–Iran Exchange Intensified Attacks Amid Fears of Regional War

Israeli airstrikes target Iranian military infrastructure in Isfahan as regional conflict intensifies, June 15, 2025.

The military conflict between Israel and Iran reached a dangerous new level as both nations launched intensified attacks on each other’s territory, raising global alarm over a potential regional war. Israeli warplanes carried out a wave of overnight strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, military command centers, and ballistic missile depots in cities including Isfahan, Natanz, and Shiraz. The strikes, described as Israel’s most aggressive military action against Iran in decades, followed Tehran’s earlier drone and missile attacks on Israeli cities.

In a swift retaliation, Iran responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and attack drones, targeting military and civilian infrastructure across central and northern Israel. Sirens wailed in cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva, as air defense systems intercepted several projectiles, though damage and casualties were reported. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the strikes, calling them a “legitimate response to Zionist aggression.”

The escalation has placed the broader Middle East on high alert. U.S. and European intelligence services confirmed that both countries are now operating at full military readiness. The United States, while reiterating its support for Israel, has urged restraint and is working with allies to prevent further escalation. President Joe Biden held emergency consultations with G7 leaders and regional partners, emphasizing the importance of a diplomatic solution.

The United Nations convened a closed-door Security Council meeting to discuss the spiraling crisis, though no consensus emerged on immediate steps. Russia and China, while condemning the violence, called for negotiations, and several Gulf states including the UAE and Qatar urged both sides to stand down. Meanwhile, Turkey and Egypt warned that continued escalation could spark a broader conflict across the region, with unpredictable humanitarian and economic consequences.

Global markets reacted sharply to the developments. Crude oil prices surged above $93 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions from the Persian Gulf. Natural gas prices also spiked in Europe and Asia, as Iran’s South Pars gas field experienced infrastructure damage in the Israeli attacks, causing a temporary reduction in output. Defense stocks rose across global exchanges as investors anticipated prolonged instability.

Public demonstrations erupted in several countries. In London, Paris, and New York, thousands marched in solidarity with civilians caught in the crossfire. In the Middle East, protests in Beirut, Baghdad, and Tehran condemned Israeli strikes, while pro-Israel rallies emerged in cities like Jerusalem and Washington, D.C. Tensions have also flared among diaspora communities, with police boosting security around synagogues and mosques.

As both sides continue exchanging threats, the prospect of a full-scale regional war looms. Military analysts warn that further strikes could drag Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and even Gulf states into the conflict. Israel has stated that it is prepared for a multi-front war, while Iran has threatened to expand its operations to American military bases in the region if attacks continue.

Despite growing international pressure, neither side has shown signs of de-escalation. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further strikes within days. Diplomats are racing against time to avoid a catastrophe that could destabilize the Middle East for years to come.