Following sirens in the village of Ghajar in the Galilee Panhandle, IDF reported that the Air Force intercepted a “suspicious aerial target”. IDF Spokesperson’s message read as follows: “IDF: Following the sirens that sounded regarding a hostile aircraft infiltration at 4:56 in the area of Ghajar, a suspicious aerial target was intercepted by the IAF. Sirens were sounded in accordance with protocol.”

Missile interception booms echoed across central and northern Israel at around 2:40AM on Saturday, after Iran launches 5 ballistic missiles to Israel, but no injuries have been reported. Magen David Adom confirmed there were no casualties, though the roof of a 4-story building in central Israel has reportedly caught fire after a shrapnel of a missile hit the roof. Firefighters stress the event is “under control”. Home Front Command has announced the incident is now over.

13 View gallery Fire on top of a 4-story building as missile shrapnel hits roof ( Photo: Gilad Meiri )

The Pakistani government announced that it has decided to officially recommend President Donald Trump as a candidate for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, “in recognition of his decisive diplomatic intervention and central leadership during the recent crisis between India and Pakistan,” according to the Pakistani government’s statement on X.

13 View gallery Deserves Nobel? Donald Trump ( Photo: AP/M.D. Mughal )

The statement also noted that “In a moment of growing regional turmoil, President Trump demonstrated tremendous strategic foresight and excellent statesmanship through strong diplomatic engagement with Islamabad and New Delhi, which de-escalated the rapidly deteriorating situation – and ultimately secured a ceasefire and prevented a wider conflict between the two nuclear states. This intervention testifies to his role as a true peacemaker and his commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue.”

The IDF reported that it intercepted a drone launched from Iran over the Haifa Bay area . “According to policy, no alerts were activated,” the statement said.

The Israeli Air Force has completed a wave of strikes in western Iran on Friday , targeting dozens of surface-to-surface missile sites among other objectives.

United States President Donald Trump said Friday it would be difficult for him to request Israel stop its airstrikes in Iran, even as he pursues a diplomatic solution to end the war.

“I think it’s very hard to make that request right now if somebody is winning,” the president told reporters. “It’s a little bit harder to do than if somebody is losing. But we’re ready, willing, and able. And we’ve been speaking to Iran, and we’ll see what happens,” the president said.

Trump repeated a bit later that it would be a hard ask, given Israel’s military successes so far. “It’s very hard to stop, when you look at it — Israel’s doing well in terms of war,” he said. “I think you would say that Iran is doing less well; it’s a little bit hard to get somebody to stop.”

13 View gallery United States President Donald Trump ( Photo: Saul Loeb/ AFP )

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed the ongoing discussions between special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran, saying the talks “are continuing. President Trump wants the crisis resolved through diplomatic means. He knows it’s possible, based on what he’s already achieved in the past and on human nature—something you learn a lot about in business, but certainly through his experience in government and as a leader.”

The Wall Street Journal reports that Israel is facing a shortage of munitions due to the ongoing war with Iran and the high volume of interceptions . The report notes that supplies of the Arrow 3 missile interceptor could run out within weeks if the war with Iran continues and the ballistic missile barrages persist.

The IDF carried out a series of strikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Friday , including military sites housing rocket and missile launchers as well as weapons depots.

The strikes come amid the backdrop of three targeted killings carried out by the IDF in southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours. These operations were intended both to enforce the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah and to serve as a warning to the terror group not to join Iran in its attacks against Israel.

IDF stikes in Lebanon

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Friday that Israel “launched this campaign to remove a threat of such magnitude , and against such an enemy, we must be prepared for a prolonged operation.”

“The Iranian regime has spent years cultivating and building a wide ‘ring of fire,’ and now it is being turned against it—on its own soil. The accumulation of threats, from the nuclear program to advanced missile and rocket capabilities, compelled us to strike and deliver a ‘preemptive blow.’ The IDF will not stand by in the face of growing threats. On the contrary, as part of an emerging doctrine, we will act proactively and ahead of time to prevent existential threats and confront any challenge.”

13 View gallery IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ( Photo: IDF )

A barrage of 23 missiles from Iran was launched Friday afternoon toward wide areas of Israel , from north to south. A direct hit in Haifa injured 30 people: two, including a 16-year-old boy, were seriously wounded; two others were moderately injured; the rest sustained mild injuries. Magen David Adom teams evacuated the casualties to Rambam and Bnei Zion hospitals in the city.

Magen David Adom teams (MDA), dispatched to the impact site in Haifa, evacuated a 16-year-old boy and two men who were seriously wounded by a missile fired from Iran to Rambam and Bnei Zion hospitals in the city. MDA also reported treating 14 others with mild injuries, most suffering from blast trauma.

In addition, three impact sites were reported in the Shfaram area, where two people were lightly injured.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a speech to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that ” Iran is under attack by an entity that has committed genocide in Palestine for the past two years and occupies neighboring countries.”

“It has assassinated numerous Iranian officials and civilians in strikes targeting public infrastructure and hospitals. Israel has attacked nuclear facilities that are under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Iran is facing aggression that cannot be justified in any way — and any justification for it amounts to complicity.”

An Iranian ballistic missile on Friday hit Haifa, with Magen David Adom (MDA) reporting that emergency teams responding to the strikes were evacuating a 16-year-old teen and a man in his 40s to the hospital in serious condition after being wounded by the barrage.

13 View gallery Iranian missile strike in Haifa ( Photo: Magen David Adom )

MDA added that another man was moderately injured and 9 others recieved light injuries—most suffering from blast-related trauma.

Direct hits were also reported in southern and central Israel, including in Jerusalem, following Iran’s largest salvo against the country since hostilities began a week ago.

13 View gallery Iranian missile strike in Haifa ( Photo: Magen David Adom )

The IDF reported Friday it was carrying out strikes against Iran , focusing on the country’s western and central parts. “The IDF is currently striking military infrastructure in central and western Iran,” the statement read.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit reported Friday that Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence from the Military Intelligence Directorate, recently struck the headquarters of Iran’s internal security apparatus and its special units, located in the Tehran area.

“The internal security mechanisms operate as part of the Iranian regime’s military apparatus,” the statement read.

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a sharp condemnation on Friday of the ongoing fighting between Israel and Iran , calling for an immediate halt to strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure.

“All attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in the context of the Iran-Israel conflict must stop immediately,” Macron said. He stressed that “priority must be given to returning to negotiations. Iran must demonstrate a willingness to come back to the negotiating table.”

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources in Paris, Berlin and London confirmed that the three countries are working on a comprehensive proposal to be presented to Iran soon, aimed at restoring a diplomatic track and preventing further escalation in the regional conflict.

13 View gallery French President Emmanuel Macron ( Photo: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/Pool )

Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security assessment Friday morning with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior military officials, after which he instructed the military to intensify strikes on regime targets in Tehran.

“We must strike all symbols of the regime and its instruments of repression, such as the Basij, as well as the foundations of its power like the Revolutionary Guards,” Katz said. “The aim is to prompt mass evacuations from Tehran, destabilize the regime and increase deterrence in response to rocket fire on Israel’s home front—alongside continued operations against nuclear facilities and scientists until all objectives of the campaign are fully achieved.”

13 View gallery Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ( Photo: Elad Malka, Defense Ministry )

The Iran International news outlet reported Friday that an Israeli drone targeted an apartment in the Gisha neighborhood in central Tehran. A follow-up report on the channel claimed the strike was aimed at a compound used by the IRGC’s Basij militia operating in the area.

According to reports, the strike’s intended target was a nuclear scientist. Israeli sources believe the individual was successfully eliminated.

13 View gallery Drone strike in Tehran

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ephraim Defrin issued a televised statement on Friday following the intense overnight missile salvo from Iran that hit Be’er Sheva. “Overnight, 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets flew over Tehran targeting weapons and military targets. We will continue to strike Iran using a guided plan,” he said.

Addressing the direct hit in southern Israel, he added: “The Iranian planned to carry out a more significant launch toward Be’er Sheva, and still hold serious military capabilities. We will continue to combat Tehran until the threats against Israel are removed.”

13 View gallery Damages in Be’er Sheva following missile strike ( Photo: REUTERS/Amir Cohen )

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran will not engage in talks with any party as long as Israeli attacks persist. His word came shortly after reports of Iranian air defenses engaging above Tehran.

“Western countries are not condemning Israel’s aggression against Iran, even though they know it violates all international laws and resolutions,” Araghchi stated. “The U.S. is complicit in the Israeli aggression against Iran, even if it’s not participating publicly,” he added.

13 View gallery Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

13 View gallery Israeli strike in Teran ( Photo: Majid Asgaripour/WANA )

The first rescue ship returning Israelis stuck abroad , overseen by Transportation Minister Miri Regev, docked Friday at the Port of Ashdod. The vessel, Crown Iris, operated by Mano Maritime, brought back about 2,000 Israelis who had been evacuated from Limassol, Cyprus.

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13 View gallery Transportation Minister Miri Regev (right) at the Port of Ashdod ( Photo: Transportation Ministry )

“This is a national mission and a demonstration of Israeli solidarity,” said Regev. “We continue to work tirelessly, using all available tools and resources, to bring Israeli citizens home safely.”

The IDF completed a series of overnight strikes in the heart of Tehran , the IDF announced Friday morning. Dozens of targets were attacked, including military industrial sites for missile production and the Spand headquarters for research and development of the nuclear weapons project.

On Friday morning , heavy smoke rose from the scene of a missile impact in Be’er Sheva in southern Israel, and extensive damage was caused from an Iranian missile attack. Damage was seen in nearby homes and Vehicles are also on fire. There are currently no reports of injuries. Magen David Adom teams are providing medical treatment at the scene to several panic victims and are searching for additional victims. Read more about the attack here .

On the night of Thursday, June 19, Israel launched airstrikes using fighter jets against dozens of military targets in Iran, including a strike on a nuclear reactor in Arak, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reports.

In particular, 40 Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out a large-scale air operation across Iranian territory. Airstrikes targeted dozens of military sites in Tehran and other regions of the country. More than 100 munitions were used in total.

Among the key targets was a non-operational nuclear reactor near the Iranian city of Arak. Israeli forces struck a critical component of the facility – the structure of the reactor’s core seal, which is essential for the production of plutonium used in nuclear weapons.

According to the IDF, although the reactor was not completed, the Iranian regime deliberately kept it in a usable state to pressure the West. The strike was intended to eliminate any possibility of its use for military purposes.

Israeli aircraft also hit a facility in Natanz, where components and equipment related to nuclear weapons development were stored.

Furthermore, the strikes destroyed military factories producing parts for ballistic missiles, air defense systems, and radar equipment. The IDF also reported the destruction of storage sites for surface-to-surface missiles and the elimination of Iranian air defense systems.

What led up to this

On the night of June 13, Israel launched Operation codenamed Rising Lion, targeting Iranian military facilities, particularly those linked to its nuclear and missile programs.

In response, Iran launched attacks on Israeli territory.

In addition, yesterday US President Trump declared that he would not allow Iran to get nuclear weapons, saying it would have catastrophic consequences for the world.

Media reports suggest that Trump has already approved a plan for an attack on Iran, though he is holding off on executing it for now. The White House is reportedly waiting to see whether Tehran backs away from its nuclear ambitions.

At the same time, a source familiar with intelligence told ABC News that the US may carry out not one, but multiple strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

An Iranian drone attempted to infiltrate Israel near the Dead Sea, and triggered alarms between 2:56 – 2:57 a.m. on Friday morning, the IDF’s Home Front Command confirmed.

The Israel Air Force successfully intercepted the Iranian drone.

An additional drone infiltration was detected in another area near the Dead Sea, triggering alarms between 3:09 – 3:10 a.m.

The IDF confirmed that this second event was triggered by two Iranian drones, which were both successfully intercepted.

There have been no reports of impact or injuries from either incident.

IDF’s precision strike destroys Iran’s F-14 Tomcats at Isfahan airbase. Explore the tech, strategy, and impact of the June airstrike in this in-depth analysis.

Photo credit: IDF video via X

Summary

– Israeli Air Force strikes destroy three Iranian F-14 Tomcats.

– Precision drones and jets showcase Israel’s advanced technology.

– The June 2025 attack escalates Israel-Iran tensions.

– Iran’s aging air force suffers a significant blow.

– The operation targets Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities.

On June 21, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] released dramatic footage showing their airstrikes demolishing three Iranian F-14 Tomcat fighter jets at an airbase in Isfahan, Iran. This bold operation, part of the broader “Operation Rising Lion,” marks a significant escalation in the tense rivalry between Israel and Iran. The strike showcases Israel’s advanced military capabilities and underscores the strategic importance of neutralizing Iran’s aging but symbolic air assets.

This article dives into the technical details of the operation, compares the military technologies involved, and explores the geopolitical ripple effects, offering a clear picture of what this event means for the Middle East and beyond. Readers will uncover the strike’s execution, the F-14’s role in Iran’s air force, Israel’s technological edge, and the potential consequences shaping regional dynamics.

What happened in Isfahan on June 21, 2025?

Footage of Israeli forces destroying three more Iranian F-14 Tomcats on the ground. pic.twitter.com/2FFfeUqF4W — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 21, 2025

Israeli forces launched a precision strike on Isfahan’s Shahid Babaei Air Base, targeting three F-14 Tomcat jets parked on the tarmac. The IDF employed a combination of advanced drones and possibly F-35I Adir stealth fighters, delivering precision-guided munitions that obliterated the aircraft. IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed the operation, emphasizing Israel’s ability to penetrate Iranian airspace with minimal resistance.

The released footage, captured by infrared targeting systems, shows the jets erupting in flames, highlighting the strike’s accuracy. Isfahan, located in central Iran, hosts critical military infrastructure, making it a prime target for Israel’s campaign to degrade Iran’s air capabilities. The operation followed days of Israeli airstrikes across Iran, suggesting a coordinated effort to cripple key military assets.

The targeted F-14 Tomcats

IDF:

We attacked 3 Iranian F-14 Tomcat fighter jets. — Clash Report (@clashreport) June 21, 2025

The F-14 Tomcat, a U.S.-designed interceptor from the 1970s, remains a cornerstone of Iran’s air force despite its age. Iran acquired 79 Tomcats before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but sanctions and embargoes have limited maintenance, leaving only a fraction operational. Based primarily at Shahid Babaei Air Base, these jets serve air defense and interception roles, leveraging their long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles.

However, analysts estimate Iran maintains just 20–24 airworthy F-14s, with many grounded due to part shortages. The three destroyed jets likely included non-operational airframes, but their loss still delivers a symbolic blow, as Iran relies on cannibalizing parts to keep others flying. The Tomcats’ variable-sweep wings and AWG-9 radar, once cutting-edge, now struggle against modern adversaries.

Immediate reactions and fallout

Iranian officials swiftly condemned the strike, with state media asserting no damage occurred to nearby nuclear facilities. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called the attack a violation of sovereignty, hinting at retaliatory measures but offering no specifics. Internationally, reactions varied: U.S. officials reiterated their non-involvement while urging de-escalation, Russia criticized Israel’s aggression, and the U.N. called for restraint.

The strike intensified regional tensions, with Iran launching over 100 drones toward Israel, most intercepted by Israeli and allied defenses. The operation’s success emboldened Israel’s narrative of air superiority, while Iran’s limited air response exposed vulnerabilities. Social media amplified the event, with IDF footage going viral, shaping public perception of Israel’s military prowess.

Technical breakdown: F-14 Tomcat vs. modern fighters

Northrop Grumman developed the F-14 Tomcat for the U.S. Navy, delivering a twin-engine fighter with a top speed of Mach 2.34 and a range of 1,864 miles. Its variable-geometry wings adapt for high-speed intercepts or low-speed dogfights, while the AWG-9 radar tracks multiple targets at long ranges.

Iran’s F-14s, acquired in the 1970s, saw action in the Iran-Iraq War, but decades of isolation have degraded their capabilities. Iran reverse-engineered parts and upgraded some jets with domestic avionics, yet maintenance challenges persist. The Tomcat’s iconic status, boosted by films like Top Gun, contrasts with its operational limitations against modern threats.

Comparing Israel’s F-15I Ra’am and F-35I Adir

Israel’s air force likely deployed F-15I Ra’am or F-35I Adir jets, both vastly superior to the F-14. The F-15I, a customized Boeing strike fighter, reaches Mach 2.5, boasts a 2,485-mile range, and carries advanced AIM-120 missiles and guided bombs. The F-35I, a Lockheed Martin stealth platform, prioritizes survivability with advanced sensors and low radar visibility, though its top speed is Mach 1.6. The following table illustrates the technological gap:

Feature F-14 Tomcat (Iran) F-15I Ra’am (Israel) F-35I Adir (Israel) Product Year 1970s 1990s 2010s Top Speed Mach 2.34 Mach 2.5 Mach 1.6 Range ~1,864 miles ~2,485 miles ~1,367 miles Armament AIM-54 missiles AIM-120, bombs Precision Weapons Stealth Technology None Limited Advanced Role in Operation Target Likely Participant Likely Participant

Israel’s jets excel in precision, stealth, and electronic warfare, rendering Iran’s F-14s vulnerable. The F-35I’s ability to evade radar likely enabled undetected penetration of Iranian airspace, while the F-15I’s payload capacity ensured devastating strikes.

Drones’ role in the strike

Israel likely used IAI Harop or Hermes 900 drones, which offer loitering capabilities and precision strikes. These unmanned systems bypass Iran’s air defenses, such as the S-300, by exploiting low radar signatures and electronic countermeasures. Drones provide real-time intelligence, allowing Israel to target stationary assets like the F-14s with minimal risk. Iran’s air defenses, hampered by outdated technology and recent Israeli strikes on radar sites, failed to counter the attack effectively. This operation highlights the growing role of drones in modern warfare, offering cost-effective solutions for high-risk missions.

Geopolitical context: Israel and Iran’s rivalry

Israel and Iran’s animosity traces back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which shifted Iran from a U.S. ally to an adversary. Israel has since targeted Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and conducted covert operations, including assassinations of nuclear scientists. Iran, in turn, supports anti-Israel groups and pursues a nuclear program Israel views as an existential threat. Recent strikes on Iranian assets in Syria and nuclear facilities like Natanz set the stage for the Isfahan operation, reflecting Israel’s proactive stance.

Operation Rising Lion and Iran’s nuclear ambitions

The Isfahan strike aligns with “Operation Rising Lion,” launched after the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran non-compliant with nuclear obligations on June 12, 2025. Isfahan hosts not only the airbase but also a uranium conversion facility, making it a dual-purpose target. Israel aims to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weaponization efforts, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting the campaign will continue until Iran’s capabilities are dismantled. The strike on the F-14s weakens Iran’s ability to defend its nuclear sites, amplifying Israel’s strategic pressure.

Global players and regional stakes

The U.S., while not participating, provided intelligence and missile defense support, reinforcing its alliance with Israel. Russia and China condemned the strikes, citing risks to global stability, while Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states monitor the conflict warily, fearing Iranian retaliation. The operation disrupted oil markets, with prices spiking due to fears of Iranian strikes on energy infrastructure. The conflict’s escalation threatens broader regional involvement, complicating diplomatic efforts to revive nuclear talks.

Isfahan airbase: A strategic target

Shahid Babaei Air Base, located near Isfahan, serves as a primary hub for Iran’s F-14 fleet and maintenance operations. Its central location enables rapid deployment to protect key cities and nuclear sites. The base’s infrastructure includes hardened shelters and repair facilities, though recent strikes exposed vulnerabilities. Historically, it played a critical role in the Iran-Iraq War, underscoring its enduring importance to Iran’s air force.

Why Israel targeted Isfahan

The F-14s, despite their age, pose a potential threat to Israeli aircraft due to their long-range missiles. Destroying them reduces Iran’s air defense capabilities, facilitating further Israeli operations. Intelligence likely pinpointed the jets’ location, with non-operational airframes still valuable for spare parts. The strike also sends a message: Israel can hit deep within Iran with impunity. Isfahan’s proximity to nuclear facilities suggests a broader campaign to neutralize multiple threats in one region.

⭕️The IDF struck F-14 fighter jets belonging to the Iranian Armed Forced in central Iran.

Additionally, IAF fighter jets are currently striking military infrastructure in central Iran. pic.twitter.com/N8ZvKYzuY0 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 21, 2025

Damage assessment and recovery prospects

The strike obliterated three F-14s, with satellite imagery showing significant damage to the tarmac and nearby structures. Iran’s ability to replace these jets is limited, as sanctions block access to new aircraft or parts. Repairing the base’s infrastructure is feasible, but restoring airworthiness to the F-14 fleet will take years if not decades. The operation exposes Iran’s reliance on outdated technology, weakening its deterrence posture.

Consequences and future scenarios

Losing three F-14s further depletes Iran’s air force, already stretched thin by maintenance challenges. With only a handful of operational jets remaining, Iran’s ability to contest airspace is severely compromised. Modernization efforts, such as acquiring Russian Su-35s, face delays due to sanctions and financial constraints. The strike forces Iran to rely more on drones and missiles, which are less effective against Israel’s multilayered defenses.

Geopolitical ramifications

The operation risks escalating the Israel-Iran conflict, with Iran threatening missile strikes or cyberattacks. However, Iran’s weakened proxies, like Hezbollah, limit its retaliatory options. The strike derails nuclear negotiations, as Iran’s Foreign Minister ruled out talks amid ongoing attacks. Regional powers may align more openly with Israel or Iran, polarizing the Middle East further. Global energy markets remain volatile, with potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz looming.

Potential outcomes

Iran could respond with targeted strikes on Israeli cities, proxy attacks via the Houthis, or cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. A broader conflict involving U.S. or Gulf allies remains a risk, though diplomatic pressure may contain escalation. In the long term, Israel’s campaign may delay Iran’s nuclear program but harden Tehran’s resolve to pursue it covertly. The region faces a precarious balance, with de-escalation hinging on international mediation.

Expert insights on the strike

Defense analysts commend Israel’s precision and intelligence-driven approach, noting the operation’s minimal collateral damage. Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Davis told Business Insider the F-14 strikes were a “brilliant move” to neutralize potential threats early. Experts highlight Israel’s integration of drones and stealth jets as a model for modern air campaigns, contrasting with Iran’s outdated defenses.

Media coverage and information challenges

Iranian media minimized the strike’s impact, claiming no significant damage, while IDF footage painted a decisive victory. Social media amplified both narratives, with X posts spreading unverified claims, such as Iran downing an Israeli F-35, which Israel dismissed. The information war underscores the need for verified sources, as conflicting reports shape global perceptions.

A neutral perspective

Independent analysts argue Israel’s air superiority exposes Iran’s military vulnerabilities but risks long-term escalation. The strike achieves tactical goals but may not dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions entirely. Diplomacy, rather than military action, offers the best path to stability, though current tensions make negotiations unlikely. The operation reinforces Israel’s deterrence but leaves the region on edge.

What’s next for the region?

Israel’s strike on Iran’s F-14 Tomcats in Isfahan delivers a powerful message: its air force can strike deep within Iran, targeting symbolic and strategic assets with precision. The operation exposes Iran’s military weaknesses while reinforcing Israel’s technological dominance.

Yet, the strike risks escalating a volatile conflict, with Iran’s response shaping the region’s future. As tensions simmer, global powers and regional players face a critical moment to pursue de-escalation or brace for broader conflict. Stay informed as the Middle East navigates this pivotal juncture, and share your thoughts on the Israel-Iran rivalry in the comments below.

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Israel-Iran: How did latest conflict start and where could it lead?

3 days ago Share Save Lana Lam, Sofia Ferreira Santos, Jaroslav Lukiv & Nathan Williams BBC News Share Save

Footage captures exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel overnight into Sunday

Israel and Iran have continued to exchange strikes in their latest conflict, which began on Friday. There has been angry rhetoric from both sides, and US President Donald Trump is now considering whether to join Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. It started when Israel attacked nuclear and military sites in Iran, and then Iran retaliated with aerial attacks targeting Israel. More than 220 people have been killed in Israeli strikes so far, according to Iran’s health ministry, while Israel says Iranian attacks have killed 24 people.

Israel launches Operation Rising Lion, and Iran retaliates

On Thursday 12 June, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told people in Tehran’s District 18, which includes military buildings and residential neighbourhoods, to evacuate. Hours later, the first volley of strikes was reported in Tehran at about 03:30 local time (01:00 BST) on Friday, with residential areas in the capital hit, Iranian state television reported. BBC journalists are unable to report from inside Iran due to restrictions by the country’s government, making it difficult to assess the damage caused by Israel’s offensive. Israel targeted the Natanz nuclear facility – about 225km (140 miles) south of Tehran, causing significant damage, the IDF said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack – called Operation Rising Lion – targeted “the heart” of Iran’s nuclear programme. “If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time,” Netanyahu claimed. Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel “should anticipate a severe punishment”, while its foreign minister called the strikes a “declaration of war”. Iran’s retaliation began hours later, when ballistic missile attacks were launched on “dozens of targets, military centres and air bases” in Israel, in an operation it called True Promise 3. The IDF said about 100 missiles were launched towards Israel, and most had been intercepted by its Iron Dome system. These exchanges have continued for days.

On Thursday 19 June, an Iranian missile directly hit Soroka hospital in Beersheba, southern Israel, injuring at least 32 people according to Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom. Iran said it aimed to target an IDF command centre and intelligence camp adjacent to the building, according to state media – but Sharren Haskel, the Israeli deputy foreign affairs minister, accused Iran of deliberately targeting a hospital. On the same day Israel said it had carried out an attack on the nuclear reactor in Arak, north-western Iran, which it said was “inactive”. The reactor is designed to produce high-yield plutonium, the IDF said, which is a material used to make nuclear weapons. It added the strike was intended to “prevent the reactor from being restored”. It justified its attacks by saying Iran was reaching the “point of no return” in its nuclear programme. After days of very limited impact with its strikes, the scale of Iranian attacks had appeared to diminish recently, possibly indicating the impact that Israeli strikes has had on Iran’s military, reports the BBC’s Hugo Bachega. Thursday’s attacks prove Iran still has the ability to fire missiles and cause harm.

In its first wave of strikes, Israel killed several top Iranian military figures, including Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and several nuclear scientists, including Fereydoon Abbasi, former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization. Iran said civilians, including children, were also among those killed. The Israeli military declared on Tuesday that it had achieved “full air superiority” over Tehran, and had destroyed a third of Iran’s missile launchers. It came after Iranian missiles struck four different areas in the northern and central Israel, killing at least eight civilians, according to the military. Iran’s health ministry said at least 224 people had been killed since Friday. Israel has reported 24 deaths in the same period. They were in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Tamra, Rishon LeZion and Bat Yam, where a 10-storey block of flats was hit.

The US considers its next move

These latest attacks come at a critical time, as President Trump considers the possibility of direct American involvement in Israel’s campaign. According to the BBC’s US partner, CBS News, Trump is considering joining Israel’s campaign to target Iranian nuclear sites. The American arsenal contains a bomb capable of significantly damaging Iran’s secretive Fordo nuclear enrichment plant, located in a mountainous region close to the city of Qom deep underground. Washington’s 13,000kg (30,000lb) GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) – known as a “bunker buster” bomb, is designed to attack deeply-buried bunkers and tunnels, according to the US Air Force. While the US has already helped shoot down Iranian missiles that have been sent towards Israel, it has not been directly involved in any of the attacks on Iran so far. The latest attacks on the Israeli hospital will probably be used by Israeli officials and those in favour of military action to put pressure on Trump to act. Trump and Netanyahu spoke on the phone on Tuesday following a meeting of the US National Security Council. The US president had earlier taken to social media to call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and said the US knew where Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei was located, but would not kill him, “for now”. This followed reports on Sunday that Trump had rejected a plan by Israel to kill Iran’s leader. For his part, Khamenei warned Trump of “irreparable harm” if the US military intervened in the conflict. Trump’s Iran dilemma exposes bitter split in president’s circle

Reuters Donald Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One after departing early from the G7 summit in Canada

How did we get to this point?

Netanyahu said on Friday that the strikes were “a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival”. He said the operation would “continue for as many days as it takes to remove the spread”. An Israeli military official told the BBC Iran had enough nuclear material to create nuclear bombs “within days”. Iran has said it has never sought to develop a nuclear weapon and that its nuclear activities are peaceful. The strikes began as US talks over Iran’s nuclear programme, which started in April, appeared to have stalled. Trump had hoped to strike a deal to stop Tehran developing a nuclear weapon, but the latest round of talks was cancelled in light of the recent escalation in hostilities. Last year, Iran and Israel launched a number of air strikes against each other in April and October – though Israel’s strikes last year were not believed to have been as wide-ranging as its current operation.

What is Iran’s nuclear programme?