Explosions have shaken Tehran, Iran’s capital, since Friday, June 13, 2025, in an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which has killed 224 in Iran and 22 in Israel, according to local authorities. U.S. President Donald Trump called for the city’s immediate evacuation as Israel intensifies bombings, including an attack on an Iranian state broadcaster during a live transmission. The offensive, launched in retaliation for Iranian actions, also killed military leaders and rescuers. Iran, in turn, vows new attacks, raising fears of a regional war.

The conflict gained new momentum on Monday, June 16, with sirens sounding in Tel Aviv and reports of Iranian missiles hitting Israeli cities. China’s embassy in Israel urged its citizens to leave the country, citing worsening security. Meanwhile, the U.S. announced the deployment of military reinforcements to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, to protect its forces in the region.

• Key targets in Tehran: nuclear facilities, military bases, and the state TV headquarters.
• Iranian response: ballistic missile launches against Tel Aviv and Haifa.
• U.S. stance: military reinforcements and attempts at ceasefire mediation.
• Casualties: 224 deaths in Iran, 90% civilians, and 22 in Israel, including civilians.

The exchange of attacks exposes the fragility of stability in the Middle East, with both sides vowing retaliation.

Origin of the new wave of violence

The current crisis began on Thursday, June 12, in Brasília time, when Israel launched Operation Crescent Lion, targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites. The offensive was described as preventive, aiming to neutralize Iran’s nuclear program, which Israel claims was close to developing nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes hit the “heart” of Iran’s nuclear program, destroying part of the Natanz facility, 225 km from Tehran.

On Friday, Iran responded with fewer than 100 ballistic missiles fired at Israel, most intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system. However, some projectiles struck residential areas in Tel Aviv, killing at least two people. Iranian media reported the attack as direct retaliation for Israeli bombings that killed key figures, including Hossein Salami, head of the Revolutionary Guard, and six nuclear scientists.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused Israel of starting a war and promised “severe punishment.” The escalation continued with new Iranian attacks over the weekend, including a second wave of drones and missiles against Haifa and Tel Aviv, injuring 13 people in Western Galilee.

State broadcaster bombing

One of the most striking episodes occurred on Monday, June 16, when Israel bombed the media complex of Iran’s state broadcaster in Tehran, interrupting a live broadcast on Channel 6. The attack, which killed a female employee, was condemned by Iran as a “war crime.” Videos on social media show a journalist running for cover during the explosion.

Israel justified the action, claiming the complex was used for military purposes, but Iran’s government refuted the accusation, noting that the site housed newsrooms and a children’s cartoon production studio. The international community, including the UN, called for an end to the escalation, but tensions remain high.

The attack on the broadcaster reflects Israel’s strategy of targeting symbolic sites, alongside military ones, to weaken Iran’s communication capabilities. However, the action also intensified Tehran’s rhetoric, with promises of new attacks until Tuesday morning, June 17.

Deaths of rescuers and civilians

Iran’s Red Crescent reported the deaths of three rescuers in an Israeli bombing in Tehran while they were aiding the wounded. The organization called the attack a violation of international humanitarian law. In total, 90% of the 224 victims in Iran are civilians, including 20 children, according to Iran’s Ministry of Health.

In Israel, the 22 deaths include civilians hit by Iranian missiles, notably a young woman killed in a home in Western Galilee. Search and rescue operations continue in Haifa, where 30 people were injured. Fires were reported near the city’s port, worsening the situation.

• Civilian targets hit: Farabi hospital in Kermanshah and a residential building in Tehran.
• Confirmed deaths: 78 in Tehran, including military leaders and scientists.
• Injured: over 320 in Iran and 100 in Israel, per estimates.

The violence against civilians and rescuers has increased pressure for an international response, but ceasefire talks remain uncertain.

U.S. military reinforcements

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of military reinforcements to the Middle East, including tanker aircraft and an aircraft carrier, to protect American forces in the region. Reuters confirmed the movement of the USS Carl Vinson, operating in the Gulf of Oman. The decision reflects fears that Iran may target U.S. bases, particularly in Iraq, in retaliation for U.S. support for Israel.

Despite the reinforcements, U.S. officials stated that the country will not participate in direct military operations against Iran. Trump, who returned to Washington on Monday, ordered a National Security Council meeting in the White House Situation Room. During the G7, he proposed talks for a ceasefire, but no immediate progress has been reported.

International reactions

China’s embassy in Israel issued a warning urging its citizens to leave the country via the Jordan border due to deteriorating security. The statement highlighted the rising civilian toll and damage to non-military facilities. Other nations, including France and the UK, also expressed concern over the escalation.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Israel and Iran to halt attacks, warning of the risk of a broader regional conflict. Jordan, which shot down Iranian drones in its airspace, strengthened its air defenses to protect its cities.

Nuclear program under scrutiny

Israeli attacks targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, such as Natanz and Fordow, raising concerns about the future of Iran’s nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that Iran violated its non-proliferation obligations, enriching uranium to 60%, a level close to that needed for nuclear weapons.

Israel claims the attacks destroyed parts of the nuclear infrastructure, but the extent of the damage remains unclear. Iran announced that its Parliament is preparing a bill to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which could escalate the arms race in the region.

Threat to Ayatollah Khamenei

Netanyahu stated he does not rule out assassinating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a move that analysts say could further destabilize Iran’s regime. Trump, however, reportedly vetoed an Israeli plan to this effect, according to AP and Reuters. The possibility of such action heightens the risk of Iranian retaliation against Israeli and American targets.

Khamenei, in response, said Israel made a “miscalculation” and vowed to correct its enemies’ perception of Iran’s power. The belligerent rhetoric from both sides keeps the region on edge.

Damage to Iranian infrastructure

Beyond nuclear facilities, Israeli attacks damaged military bases, air defense systems, and the power grid in Kermanshah. The Farabi hospital in the same province suffered significant material damage. In Tehran, flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport were suspended, and Iran’s airspace was closed.

Iran’s currency, the rial, lost 10% of its value since the conflict began, reflecting economic instability. Local media reported long lines at banks and markets, with citizens stockpiling supplies amid fears of further bombings.

Unprecedented escalation

Operation Crescent Lion is considered Israel’s largest offensive against Iran, surpassing the 2024 attacks. The strategy of targeting military leaders, scientists, and civilian sites reflects an intent to weaken Tehran’s response capabilities. However, Iran’s resilience, with new missile launches, indicates the conflict is far from over.

The international community watches with concern as the region faces the risk of all-out war. The involvement of powers like the U.S. and the potential for retaliation against American bases in Iraq add complexity to the scenario.