The military confrontation between Iran and Israel entered its fourth day on Monday, with both sides continuing to exchange large-scale missile and drone strikes as part of their respective operations.
Israel initiated the conflict on June 13 with Operation Rising Lion, striking over 100 military and nuclear-related targets across Iran. Among the sites targeted were the Natanz nuclear facility and uranium reconversion site in Isfahan; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) missile bases near Tabriz, Kermanshah, and Tehran; and several IRGC command centers in Tehran. The strikes killed several senior IRGC leaders, including Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, Gholam Ali Rashid, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and at least seven nuclear scientists. While Israel has claimed to only target military infrastructure, it targeted the scientists at their homes, inflicting civilian casualties.
Overall, Iranian health authorities have confirmed at least 224 dead and more than 1,200 injured.
According to Israel, roughly 200 aircraft delivered more than 330 munitions on about 100 sites in five waves of strikes.
In retaliation, Iran initiated Operation True Promise 3, launching successive waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting major Israeli cities including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Bat‑Yam, and Petah Tikva. On the night of June 15, Iranian missiles struck central Israel, killing at least 8 people and wounding dozens, including foreign nationals. The overall number of Israeli casualties since June 13 has risen to at least 13 people, with estimates of around 400 people injured.
Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa before dawn on June 16, killing six people. In response, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that the residents of Tehran will “pay the price and soon.” The Iranian bombardment is notable in that it has penetrated parts of Israel’s Iron Dome for the first time.
Global response
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stern warnings to Iran to agree to a “deal” to restore peace, while maintaining that Washington has “nothing to do” with Israel’s bombing campaign. A senior U.S. official told AFP that Trump had urged Israel to drop a plan to assassinate Khamenei, while the U.S. leader has said he would be “open” to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, being a mediator.
However, Israeli P.M. Benjamin Netanyahu has seemingly rebuffed Trump’s statements, claiming American pilots are shooting down drones headed towards Israel.
Iran maintains it has “proof” of U.S. support for Israel’s aggression, adding Tehran will halt its response if the Israeli bombardment comes to a halt.
European Union foreign ministers have planned an emergency videoconference to coordinate a diplomatic response, with Germany emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense while warning against Iranian nuclear proliferation, and pledging non-military aid such as fire-fighting equipment. The U.K. has also bolstered its military presence in the region and issued travel warnings.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed for peace and restraint.
Despite calls for de-escalation, the conflict shows no immediate sign of waning. Iran has threatened to escalate by targeting U.S. interests or closing the Strait of Hormuz—a move that would stall global energy flows and spike oil prices above $100/barrel.