– Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa
Both nations launched waves of missile and drone strikes over the weekend, marking the most intense direct conflict between Iran and Israel in years. Civilian areas, military hubs, and strategic infrastructure were all struck, with mounting casualties on both sides.
Iran launched a coordinated missile assault early Sunday morning targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other regions. Videos from northern Israel showed night-time blasts accompanied by air-raid sirens.
Israel’s military, via its official X account, confirmed:
💥 Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) — Published June 15, 2025
IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel.
Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat.
Despite deployment of Iron Dome, several missiles penetrated Israel’s defences – one striking central Tel Aviv. Hospitals in Tamra and Haifa reported over a dozen civilian injuries.
Israel responded with Operation “Rising Lion”, deploying precision strikes on Iranian sites, including an oil facility near Bandar Abbas, a drone-development complex in Isfahan, and strategic infrastructure near Tehran. Karaj reported large explosions and smoke plumes rising from what Iran described as a civilian administrative site.
Verified Casualties and Iran’s Response
Independent outlets Reuters and The Guardian verified major losses:
- Israel: At least 10 killed, more than 270 injured; widespread residential damages in Haifa and Tel Aviv.
- Iran: At least 78 fatalities – including IRGC officers and nuclear scientists – and over 320 injured; Tehran hospital systems strained.
Iran labelled its counter offensive as “True Promise III”, linking it to prior confrontations after the Damascus strikes last month.
🛡️ Iran Foreign Ministry (@IRIMFA_EN) — Published June 14, 2025
The Zionist regime’s aggression against #Iran is a grave violation of international law & Iran’s sovereignty.
Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran reserves the legitimate and legal right to respond to this aggression.
State media declared the strikes “measured and proportionate,” warning that continued Israeli actions could trigger broader regional mobilisation.
Claimed Downing of Israeli F 35s
Iran’s military has claimed a major breakthrough in aerial warfare, asserting it shot down three Israeli F 35 stealth fighter jets during the course of the conflict.
- According to Iranian state media (Press TV, Tasnim, IRNA), two jets were downed on June 13, and a third on June 14.
- Iran alleges that one pilot was captured alive, another killed, and the third ejected and later detained.
- These claims, if verified, would mark the first successful combat downing of F 35 aircraft in history – a development with massive strategic implications.
- However, these reports remain unverified:
- The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have denied all such losses, stating no F 35s were hit and calling Iranian reports “fabricated propaganda.”
- No independent imagery, wreckage, or pilot confirmations have been released by third-party observers.
- Defence analysts have expressed skepticism, citing the advanced stealth capabilities of the F 35 and the absence of physical evidence.
Until verified by satellite images or neutral sources, the downing of F 35s remains an information war flashpoint, with Iran promoting the claims as a morale victory and Israel maintaining operational secrecy.
Tel Aviv Seeks U.S. Ordnance
Israeli officials have reportedly requested bunker-buster bombs and B 52 bombers from Western allies to dismantle Iran’s fortified nuclear infrastructure. This marks a notable escalation in military planning, though no agreement has been reached.
A planned nuclear negotiation session scheduled for June 15 in Oman was abruptly cancelled following the escalation. Omani authorities cited the volatile security situation as the cause. Iranian officials, blaming Israeli airstrikes, confirmed the shutdown of discussions intended for mutual de-escalation.
Regional and Global Reactions
- India has urged “maximum restraint,” offering neutral diplomatic facilitation.
- Russia condemned Israel’s strikes and called for diplomacy.
- EU voiced concern over uncontrolled escalation and threats to global energy stability.
- Protests in Israel demand better civilian safeguards; pro-government rallies in Iran endorse defensive measures.
Experts warn this could spiral into a full-scale regional war. Iran may deploy its proxies (e.g., Hezbollah, Yemeni Houthi, Iraqi militias). Israel is on high alert, bolstering air-defence deployments. The UN Secretary-General warned: “What begins as targeted operations may soon engulf an entire region in irreversible chaos.”
This escalation marks a pivotal shift toward open military confrontation – once contained by diplomacy – but now marked by direct strikes and collapsing negotiations. The flashpoints are multiplying, and the path back to calm is uncertain.
