Explosions rocked Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025, as Iran launched missiles in retaliation for an Israeli attack targeting nuclear infrastructure in Tehran. The conflict, which began on Friday, June 13, has left at least three dead in Israel and 78 in Iran, according to authorities. Iran issued a warning to the United States, United Kingdom, and France, threatening to target their regional bases if they interfere with Tehran’s attacks on Israel. The escalation follows the deaths of key Iranian figures, including the head of the Revolutionary Guard, Hossein Salami. Tensions in the Middle East have reached a new peak, with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, vowing severe consequences for Israel.
The Israeli assault, described as a drone and fighter jet operation, neutralized air defense systems in Tehran, allowing aircraft to fly over the Iranian capital. The offensive also killed nuclear scientists and military commanders, intensifying Iran’s response. Meanwhile, the closure of airspace in Israel and discussions about blocking the Strait of Hormuz by Iran have raised fears of a global crisis.
- Primary targets: Nuclear and military infrastructure in Tehran.
- Iranian response: Missiles launched at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
- Immediate toll: Three deaths in Israel, 78 in Iran, with 329 injured.
- Global threat: Iran’s warning to Western powers.
The exchange of attacks continued throughout Saturday, with air raid sirens sounding across various regions of Israel. The international community is closely monitoring the conflict, while oil operators fear disruptions to global trade.
Strategic targets hit in Tehran
Israel focused its offensive on Iranian nuclear and military targets, destroying air defense batteries and killing key figures in the country’s nuclear program. The operation, involving over 70 fighter jets, was described as a precise strike against Iran’s defensive capabilities. Nine nuclear scientists, including Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mahdi Tehranshi, were killed, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
The attack also eliminated over 20 military commanders, including the head of the Iranian Armed Forces’ Intelligence Directorate. The death of Hossein Salami, leader of the Revolutionary Guard, was a significant blow to Iran’s military hierarchy. Iranian state media confirmed damage to a refinery in Tabriz, in the northwest, with smoke visible at the site.
The Iranian government labeled the attack an unprecedented aggression, vowing to retaliate forcefully. Authorities in Tehran reported that the bombings hit residential areas, resulting in the deaths of 20 children in a housing complex in the capital.
Iran’s retaliation against Israel
Iran’s response was swift, launching missiles at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Explosions were heard in both cities, and images showed buildings in ruins in central Israel. The Magen David Adom emergency service confirmed three deaths, while the Israeli military reported intercepting Iranian drones on Saturday morning.
- Cities hit: Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
- Reported damage: Destroyed buildings and damaged infrastructure.
- Defensive actions: Israel intercepted drones and activated air raid sirens.
- Casualties: Three deaths confirmed so far.
Iran stated that its attacks on Israel would continue, with senior military officials promising a prolonged offensive. The Fars news agency quoted military sources describing the actions as a direct response to “Zionist aggression” in Tehran.
Threats to Western powers
The Iranian government issued a statement warning the United States, United Kingdom, and France against any attempts to block its attacks on Israel. State media reported that bases and ships of these nations in the region would be targeted if they supported Israel’s defense. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, accused the U.S. of enabling the Israeli attack, rendering dialogue on Iran’s nuclear program “meaningless.”
The escalation disrupted negotiations scheduled for Sunday, June 15, between Iran and the U.S. Meanwhile, the United States denied direct involvement in the Israeli attack but bolstered its military presence in the Persian Gulf.
Airspace closures and regional impact
The exchange of attacks led to the indefinite closure of Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Neighboring countries, including Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, reopened their airspace to civilian flights, but regional instability keeps air operations on high alert.
Brazilian politicians on official visits to Israel were forced to seek shelter in bunkers during the Iranian bombings. Representatives from six states and the Federal District reported difficulties leaving the country due to the airport closure.
- Affected airports: Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv remains closed.
- Impacted countries: Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria reopened airspace.
- Affected civilians: Brazilian politicians sheltered in bunkers.
The situation has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and foreign officials in Israel, while the international community seeks to contain the escalation.
Discussion on the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian parliament members debated closing the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage in the Persian Gulf through which about 20% of the world’s oil flows. The proposal, still without a final decision, sparked fears in global markets. Even without concrete actions, rumors of disruptions in the strait drove up oil prices.
The strait, with a minimum width of 39 km, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, serving as a vital route for energy trade. Any blockade could trigger a global economic crisis, impacting countries reliant on oil imports.
Ongoing conflict in Gaza
While the Iran-Israel tensions dominate headlines, the war in Gaza continues unabated. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 23 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, mostly near a humanitarian aid distribution point. Doctors at Al-Awda and Al-Aqsa hospitals reported that 15 victims were struck while attempting to access food and supplies.
The incidents occurred near the Netzarim corridor, an area controlled by Israel. There were no immediate comments from the Israeli military or the foundation responsible for aid distribution.
Damage to critical infrastructure
Israeli bombings in Tehran caused significant damage to strategic infrastructure. In addition to the Tabriz refinery, residential areas and military facilities were hit. Iranian media reported that an attack on a housing complex in the capital killed 60 people, including children.
In Israel, Iranian missiles damaged buildings in central Tel Aviv, with images showing debris and emergency teams in action. Israel’s air defense capabilities, while effective, did not prevent all impacts, and residents were instructed to remain in shelters.
International reactions and fears of escalation
The exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel has sparked global concern. World leaders are closely following developments, while the UN Security Council discusses measures to contain the conflict. The possibility of Western powers’ involvement, as warned by Iran, heightens the risk of a regional war.
Humanitarian organizations have called for civilian protection, while economic operators monitor the conflict’s impact on commodity prices. Instability in the Middle East, exacerbated by tensions in Gaza and the Strait of Hormuz, keeps the world on edge.
