Israel‑Iran air war intensifies

Israeli warplanes strike deep into Iranian territory during escalating air conflict, with explosions lighting up the skyline in Isfahan as tensions reach a critical point.

Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes deep into Iranian territory overnight, escalating the already volatile military confrontation between the two arch-enemies. Key strategic targets, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility and military installations in Isfahan and Shiraz, were hit by precision-guided munitions, according to Israeli sources. The attacks reportedly killed several members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps, including at least one high-ranking commander. Iranian state media confirmed explosions in multiple cities but claimed the strikes were “repelled” and damage was “limited.” In response, Iran launched dozens of surface-to-surface missiles toward Israeli military bases in the Negev Desert and northern Galilee. Sirens wailed across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as the Iron Dome intercepted several incoming projectiles, but casualties were reported in Haifa where a missile struck a residential area, killing at least four civilians and injuring dozens.

The United Nations called for immediate de-escalation as global powers expressed alarm over the conflict's widening scope. U.S. officials confirmed they were in contact with both sides to urge restraint, but also hinted at contingency plans for military intervention if American assets in the region are threatened. Meanwhile, oil prices surged and global markets tumbled in response to fears of a prolonged Middle East war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue operations “until Iran’s nuclear threat is neutralized,” while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Israel of “terrorism against the Islamic world” and vowed revenge. Analysts warn the current trajectory could ignite a broader regional war involving Hezbollah, U.S. bases in the Gulf, and Iranian proxies across the Middle East.

Israel‑Iran conflict enters sixth day

 

Missiles streak across the sky as the Israel–Iran conflict enters its sixth day, engulfing cities in fire and fear while civilians scramble for safety amid relentless strikes.

A sustained wave of missile strikes and air raids marks the sixth consecutive day of direct conflict between Israel and Iran. In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran launched two fresh missile salvos toward Israel, sending shockwaves over Tel Aviv and triggering air raid sirens across major cities en.wikipedia.org+11reuters.com+11dawn.com+11. Israeli defenses intercepted many of the incoming projectiles, but explosions were still reported over Tel Aviv, creating widespread alarm reuters.com+1npr.org+1.

Simultaneously, Israeli aircraft pushed deeper into Iranian territory, focusing on military installations around Tehran and nearby Karaj. Targets included missile launch and storage facilities, a Revolutionary Guards-linked university, and other IRGC command sites en.wikipedia.org. Earlier strikes are believed to have killed high-ranking IRGC personnel, including wartime chief of staff Ali Shadmani nypost.com+15aljazeera.com+15indiatoday.in+15.

Iran responded with waves of ballistic missiles—and for the first time in this conflict, hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles—launching over 300 projectiles and dozens of drones at Israel, including an initial barrage early on Wednesday theguardian.com+6npr.org+6indiatoday.in+6. Tehran’s Revolutionary Guard later confirmed the use of hypersonic weapons and described the operation as “Operation Honest Promise 3,” claiming aerial dominance over Israeli territory en.wikipedia.org+2dawn.com+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2.

Casualties continue to mount on both sides: Iran reports approximately 224 deaths and over 1,400 injuries, predominantly among civilians, while Israel confirms around 24 civilian fatalities and hundreds of wounded timesofindia.indiatimes.com+12reuters.com+12arabnews.com+12. In addition, missile fragments struck the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, causing damage but no reported injuries reuters.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2nypost.com+2.

Fueling fears of an even broader crisis, oil prices have risen sharply, with Brent crude reaching $76.64 per barrel—a 0.25% uptick—amid concerns over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz reuters.com.

U.S. involvement is increasing. President Trump, vocally demanding Iran's "unconditional surrender," announced that the U.S. has “complete and total control of the skies over Iran”—though the U.S. has not yet engaged in direct strikes reuters.com+9reuters.com+9aljazeera.com+9. Additional American fighter jets and a second carrier strike group are being dispatched to bolster the region indiatoday.in. Trump also hinted the U.S. might take military action against Iranian nuclear facilities if the conflict intensifies timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

Diplomatically, global leaders—particularly within the G7 and UN—are urging restraint. Germany supports Israel’s security needs, while France pushes for urgent de-escalation nypost.com+4theguardian.com+4thetimes.co.uk+4. Meanwhile, mass evacuations are underway: thousands are fleeing Tehran following evacuation orders near strike zones, and foreign governments—such as China, Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland—are actively repatriating citizens .

As the dust settles on Day Six, the balance hangs in a precarious limbo. Both nations exchange missile barrages at dawn. The U.S. continues to support Israel through deployment and public threats. Oil markets remain on edge, civilians are evacuated or sheltering, and the world watches anxiously for signs of whether this confrontation will escalate into a broader regional war.

Intense Israeli Strikes on Tehran After Trump Demands Iran’s “Unconditional Surrender”

Tehran under fire: Explosions light up the night as Israeli airstrikes target key military sites, sending shockwaves through the heart of the Iranian capital.

Tehran, June 18 – In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, Israeli forces have launched a series of heavy airstrikes targeting strategic military and nuclear sites in and around Tehran. The offensive began late Tuesday night, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a televised statement demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” claiming that continued aggression would be met with overwhelming force.

Eyewitnesses in the Iranian capital reported hearing loud explosions throughout the night as Israeli jets bombarded key installations believed to be linked to Iran’s nuclear enrichment and military infrastructure. Sirens wailed across central and northern Tehran while residents rushed to underground shelters. Iranian state media confirmed at least 73 casualties, with many more injured, as emergency services struggled to contain fires and secure damaged buildings.

Israeli defense officials stated the operation was a direct response to what they described as "credible threats" from Iranian missile batteries and intelligence reports suggesting imminent attacks on Israeli cities. The strikes reportedly focused on military command centers, radar systems, and underground facilities suspected of housing nuclear materials. Unverified satellite images circulating on social media show large plumes of smoke rising from multiple locations in Tehran province.

The latest round of violence comes amid months of rising tension following Iran’s withdrawal from nuclear commitments and its acceleration of uranium enrichment. President Trump, speaking from the White House, warned that the “window for diplomacy is closed” and that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was “fully responsible for the consequences.” He added that U.S. forces were “locked and ready” to assist Israel if the conflict expands.

Iranian officials have vowed retaliation, calling the strikes a declaration of war. In a televised address, President Ebrahim Raisi condemned the attacks as “brutal acts of Zionist aggression” and pledged a “historic response.” Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has since placed long-range missile units on high alert and threatened regional American military bases.

Global reaction to the escalating conflict has been swift. The United Nations Security Council has called for an emergency meeting, while European Union leaders urged both parties to exercise restraint. Meanwhile, oil prices surged to a six-month high amid fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global energy supplies.

As of Wednesday morning, Israel has not confirmed whether the operation has concluded or if further strikes are planned. The U.S. Department of Defense has begun repositioning assets to the Gulf, including aircraft carriers and strategic bombers. The region remains on high alert as fears of a broader war grow by the hour.

Trump Vetoes Israeli Plan Targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Amid Fears of Global Escalation

President Donald Trump reportedly vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader during a high-level security meeting, Washington D.C., 2020.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, during his second term in office, reportedly vetoed a secret Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to multiple intelligence sources familiar with classified discussions. The revelation, which has emerged amid current Israel–Iran hostilities, sheds light on a previously undisclosed moment of extreme geopolitical tension between the two allied nations.

According to senior officials, Israeli intelligence agencies had developed a detailed operation targeting Khamenei’s security perimeter in Tehran. The plan included drone strikes and cyber-disruption meant to create confusion ahead of a surgical assassination attempt. The proposal was brought to the Trump administration as part of ongoing U.S.–Israel intelligence coordination.

While the Israeli leadership reportedly believed eliminating Khamenei could destabilize Iran’s leadership structure and weaken its military networks, Trump firmly rejected the plan. He is said to have warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that such an act would ignite a region-wide war and likely provoke attacks on U.S. embassies and bases across the Middle East. Trump, known for his unpredictability in foreign policy, allegedly told his advisers, “This isn’t the way we win — this is how we lose everything.”

The decision came at a time when U.S.–Iran tensions were already strained, especially after the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike in 2020. Trump reportedly feared that targeting Iran’s supreme religious and political leader would exceed even that high-risk operation and trigger mass uprisings and retaliation not just from Iran, but also from allied non-state actors like Hezbollah and the Houthis.

The plan was ultimately shelved, but U.S. officials continued to monitor Israeli actions closely for any signs of unilateral moves. Sources claim the CIA and Pentagon were deeply concerned about Israel potentially going forward without American backing, and additional layers of oversight were placed on shared operational intelligence.

Israeli defense sources have not publicly confirmed the operation, but recent comments from former Mossad officials suggest frustration at what they perceived as U.S. reluctance to fully confront the Iranian regime. “There was a window to finish the head of the snake,” one former operative was quoted as saying off-record, “but the Americans shut it.”

As current tensions between Israel and Iran spiral into open military conflict, the resurfacing of this plan adds a dramatic backdrop to the question of how far each side — and their allies — are willing to go. Analysts say this moment highlights the thin line between strategic deterrence and all-out war, and the critical role U.S. decision-making plays in shaping outcomes in the region.

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.

Australia Rules Out Military Role in Israel–Iran Conflict, Calls for Diplomatic De-escalation

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rules out military involvement in the Israel–Iran conflict, urging diplomatic solutions, Canberra, June 15, 2025.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has firmly ruled out any military involvement in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, stressing the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation to prevent further destabilization in the Middle East.

Speaking at a press conference in Canberra on Sunday, Albanese stated that while Australia condemns any acts of aggression and supports Israel’s right to self-defense, the country will not participate in any form of military action or coalition effort in the region. “Australia is not involved in the current hostilities, and we do not foresee any scenario in which Australian Defence Forces would be deployed to the Middle East in response to this crisis,” he said.

The announcement comes amid rising international pressure on Western allies to take clearer stances after Israel launched major airstrikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites, followed by retaliatory missile attacks by Tehran. The situation has led to widespread concern among global powers, with some nations reinforcing military preparedness and others calling for an urgent ceasefire.

Albanese emphasized that Australia’s focus will remain on humanitarian aid, diplomatic dialogue, and coordination with allies through multilateral channels such as the United Nations and the G20. He also noted that Australia’s intelligence and defense agencies are closely monitoring the developments, particularly in terms of regional security, cyber threats, and potential disruptions to global energy markets.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong echoed the prime minister’s remarks, warning that further military escalation could lead to a catastrophic war. “We urge all parties to respect international law and pursue dialogue over destruction,” Wong said during a separate briefing. She confirmed that Australia has reached out to both Israeli and Iranian diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation.

The opposition has largely supported the government's stance. Peter Dutton, leader of the Liberal Party, called for a bipartisan approach to the crisis and welcomed the decision to stay militarily neutral while backing global peace efforts.

Australia's Arab and Jewish communities have both expressed concern over the unfolding crisis. Several rallies have taken place in major cities including Sydney and Melbourne, calling for peace and humanitarian relief for civilians caught in the crossfire. The Australian government has also begun assessing whether to increase support for international refugee agencies should displacement in the region escalate.

While Australia maintains strong defense ties with the United States and other NATO-aligned countries, Albanese made it clear that any response to the Israel–Iran conflict must be measured, principled, and non-military in nature. “This is a moment for global leadership, not for additional firepower,” he concluded.

G7 Summit Overshadowed by Escalating Middle East Conflict and Global Instability

G7 leaders gather in Kananaskis, Canada, for an emergency session dominated by the Israel–Iran conflict, June 15, 2025.

The G7 Summit, hosted this year in Kananaskis, Canada, has opened amid an atmosphere of global tension and uncertainty, as the rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran threatens to overshadow the original agenda of economic recovery, climate cooperation, and support for Ukraine.

Leaders of the world’s seven most advanced economies — Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan — arrived in the mountain resort town under tight security. The summit, scheduled for June 15–17, was initially expected to focus on trade realignment, green energy investment, AI regulation, and coordinated economic strategies. However, the surprise Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military targets just hours before the summit’s opening ceremonies drastically shifted the focus.

In a closed-door emergency session late June 15, the G7 leaders discussed the implications of the Israeli attacks and Iran’s retaliatory missile launches. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the summit’s host, warned that the conflict could “trigger a regional war with severe global economic and humanitarian consequences.” U.S. President Joe Biden called on fellow leaders to present a united front in urging restraint while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the need to prevent the conflict from spreading to neighboring countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed concern about energy security, with oil and gas prices already spiking after Iran’s South Pars gas field suffered damage during the airstrikes. Kishida also voiced apprehension over the vulnerability of critical energy transit routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. G7 energy ministers are now expected to hold side meetings to explore coordinated emergency reserves and strategic supply options.

While Ukraine remained on the agenda, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s scheduled virtual address was delayed due to last-minute shifts in the summit’s priorities. Western leaders reaffirmed their long-term support for Kyiv but acknowledged that diplomatic and media attention is now divided due to the Middle East crisis.

The summit has also drawn criticism from global South nations, who accuse G7 countries of focusing too narrowly on security alliances while ignoring pressing issues like vaccine equity, debt relief, and food insecurity. Climate advocates lamented that emissions reduction plans may now take a backseat to immediate geopolitical concerns.

Despite the tension, leaders are expected to issue a joint statement urging de-escalation in the Middle East, continued support for Ukraine, and collaborative approaches to managing economic instability caused by conflict and inflation. Analysts warn that failure to address the Israeli–Iranian conflict diplomatically could derail global economic recovery efforts just as inflation shows signs of cooling in some G7 economies.

As the summit continues, all eyes remain on real-time developments in the Middle East, and whether the G7 can maintain focus on its original policy goals while navigating one of the most volatile geopolitical climates in recent history.