In a devastating attack on Friday, June 13, 2025, Israel’s Defense Forces launched an offensive against Tehran, Iran’s capital, killing Mohammad Kazemi, the head of intelligence of the Revolutionary Guard, and other military leaders. The three-day conflict has left 224 dead in Iran, according to the local Health Ministry, and 13 in Israel, per Israeli authorities. The bombings, which began Thursday night (Brasilia time), targeted military and residential areas, heightening tensions in the Middle East. The exchange of ballistic missiles between the two nations continues, with explosions reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, and Tehran. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, vowed retaliation, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the attacks aim to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
The conflict has reached alarming proportions since the initial strikes. Sirens echoed across Israeli cities, and Iran activated air defense systems in its western region. Emergency teams in Tehran work tirelessly amid the rubble of residential buildings, where 90% of victims are civilians, according to Iranian officials.
- Targets hit: Military facilities, nuclear complexes, and residential areas in Tehran.
- Iran’s response: Ballistic missile launches against Israel, causing fires in Haifa.
- Statements: Netanyahu suggests the attacks could weaken Iran’s regime.
The international community watches with concern. The European Union called an emergency meeting for Tuesday, June 17, while U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for a ceasefire without confirming direct involvement in the conflict.
Strategic targets in Tehran
Israel’s attacks focused on targets deemed critical by Netanyahu’s government. A key strike destroyed the main facility of the Natanz nuclear complex, according to the Israeli premier. The offensive also eliminated high-ranking military leaders, including Mohammad Kazemi and General Mohsen Baqeri. The Revolutionary Guard, responsible for protecting Iran’s government, suffered significant losses, with its chief, Hossein Salami, killed in the initial bombings.
Residential buildings in Tehran were also hit, drawing international criticism. A Saturday strike demolished a 14-story building, killing 60 people, as reported by Reuters. Rescue teams use sniffer dogs and excavators to search for survivors in the debris. Iran’s Health Ministry reported 1,277 injuries since the conflict began.
Iran’s response and retaliation
Iran responded swiftly. On Sunday night, June 15, ballistic missiles crossed the skies of the West Bank, striking Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. In Haifa, northern Israel, an Iranian bombardment caused fires and injured at least nine people, according to Israel’s national emergency service. Iran’s Armed Forces warned Israel’s population to avoid areas near strategic targets, labeled as “vital areas.”
Iran’s leadership, under Ali Khamenei, called Israel’s attacks a deliberate provocation. Khamenei stated that the country will not negotiate a ceasefire while under attack, as communicated to mediators Qatar and Oman. Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that Israeli bombings in Tehran hit residential neighborhoods, with women and children among the victims.
International involvement
The conflict’s escalation mobilized global leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Netanyahu, stressing the need for a negotiated solution to Iran’s nuclear issue. The European Union, through its foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, is organizing a videoconference with member states’ ministers to discuss diplomatic strategies.
- EU’s goal: Reduce tensions and seek a solution to Iran’s nuclear program.
- Mediator countries: Qatar and Oman attempt to facilitate talks but face Iranian resistance.
- U.S. stance: Trump supports Israel’s defense but avoids confirming direct actions.
Donald Trump, speaking at the White House before departing for the G7 summit in Canada, expressed hope for a ceasefire but acknowledged that conflicts may be necessary for negotiations. He denied rumors of vetoing an Israeli plan to target Ali Khamenei.
Civilian impact
Populations in both countries face direct consequences of the attacks. In Israel, sirens sounded in multiple cities, and authorities instructed citizens to stay near shelters. On Sunday, Israel’s Defense Forces indicated the immediate missile threat had subsided, allowing people to leave shelters in some areas.
In Iran, the situation is dire. The local Health Ministry reported that 90% of the 224 fatalities are civilians, including women and children. In Tehran, residential neighborhoods were devastated, with images showing emergency teams working under extreme conditions. The Tasnim agency reported that Sunday’s attacks killed Kazemi’s deputy, Hassan Mohaqeq, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Military offensives
Israel’s Defense Forces maintain an aggressive strategy. On Sunday, the Israeli Air Force launched new strikes against ground-to-ground missile targets in western Iran. Videos released by the military show precise bombings in Tehran, targeting identified missile launchers. Netanyahu stated the offensive aims to neutralize Iran’s military capabilities, focusing on nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Iran, in turn, intensified its attacks. Besides missiles launched against Israel, the country activated air defense systems to counter Israel’s offensive. The France-Presse agency reported that these systems were deployed in western Iran, home to strategic military facilities.
Regional reactions
Neighboring countries monitor the conflict cautiously. Oman and Qatar, which historically mediate between Iran and Israel, face challenges in advancing talks. Iran informed both nations it will only negotiate after completing its military response. The latest round of nuclear talks, mediated by Oman, was canceled due to Israel’s offensive.
The Hamas group, active in the region, also engaged in the conflict. On Sunday, a projectile fired by the group triggered sirens in southern Israel, as reported by Israel’s Defense Forces. The action was described as a reminder that Israel faces a multi-front war.
Material damage
The attacks left a trail of destruction. In Tehran, residential buildings and military infrastructure were reduced to rubble. A single Saturday bombing destroyed a 14-story building, killing dozens. In Israel, damage is concentrated in Haifa, where fires were reported after Iranian attacks.
- Affected areas in Israel: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
- Affected areas in Iran: Residential neighborhoods and military complexes in Tehran.
- Rescue efforts: Teams use heavy equipment to search for survivors.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA released images of injured women and children, while Israel reported moderate damage in its cities.
Leaders’ statements
Netanyahu, in a Fox News interview, suggested the attacks could weaken Iran’s regime, though Israel’s Defense Forces clarified that regime change is not the goal. Ali Khamenei vowed a strong response, accusing Israel of starting a war. Both leaders’ rhetoric indicates the conflict may persist.
Hossein Kermanpour, Iran’s Health Ministry spokesperson, highlighted the crisis’s severity, noting most victims are civilians. In Israel, authorities keep the population on alert, with instructions to avoid gatherings and stay in protected areas.
Diplomatic efforts
The international community ramps up efforts to contain the escalation. The EU’s emergency meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, aims to coordinate diplomatic actions with Tel Aviv and Tehran. Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to peace and stability, while Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for a negotiated solution to Iran’s nuclear program.
Qatar and Oman, despite challenges, continue to act as mediators. Iran’s reluctance to negotiate during the attacks complicates talks, but both countries maintain open communication channels with the parties involved.
