English
العربية
Introduction
During the crisis in the Middle East that followed the 7 October 2023 attacks and the ensuing Gaza war, animosity escalated into confrontation. Israel weakened Iranian proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah (Axis of Resistance – Wikipedia) and began planning action against Iran.
The “Axis of Resistance” notably includes the Lebanese Hezbollah, Islamic Resistance in Iraq, the Popular Mobilisation Forces, and the Yemeni Houthis. It sometimes includes Hamas, and a variety of other Palestinian militant groups.
Until the fall of the Assad regime in 2024,Ba’athist Syria was the only state member of the Axis beside Iran, hosting fighters trained and recruited by Iran.
The United States designates most of these groups as terrorist organizations.
The countries traded strikes in April and October 2024.The Israeli attacks of June 2025 started the day after the expiration of a two-month deadline that U.S. President Donald Trump had set for securing a deal to keep Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
How the dismantling of Iran’s regional proxies paved way for Israel’s attack | Israel | The Guardian
The article discusses how Israel’s military actions against Iran’s regional proxies have weakened Tehran’s ability to project power in the region. This has led to a series of events, including Israel’s bombing of the Iranian embassy in Damascus and its elimination of Hezbollah’s leadership, ultimately paving the way for Israel’s latest attack on Iran. The article suggests that the power of Iran’s ruling elite, who have been in power since the 1979 revolution, may be gravely weakened as a result of these actions.
Israel has targeted senior officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including veterans of the Iran-Iraq war and nuclear scientists, in an effort to dismantle the Iranian regime. The article concludes that while it is unlikely Iran will revert to a pro-Israeli or pro-US stance, the power of the current ruling elite may be fatally weakened.
12 June – Immediate Prelude
Israel is preparing to strike multiple targets in Iran, including its nuclear program, amid heightened tensions. The U.S. anticipates potential Iranian retaliation against American sites in Iraq and has advised some citizens to leave the region. Israeli jets have already targeted Iran’s nuclear sites, and the UK government is aware of these plans, although formal notification from Israel remains unclear.
Israel strikes dozens of targets in Iran, including nuclear program: IDF – ABC News
Israel is poised to launch an operation on Iran’s nuclear program, with multiple sources telling CBS News that the U.S. anticipates Iran could retaliate on American sites in neighboring Iraq. The U.S. has advised some Americans to leave the region and ordered non-emergency government officials to exit Iraq due to “heightened regional tensions.” The Trump administration is weighing options to support Israeli military action without leading it, including aerial refueling or intelligence sharing.Israel-Iran live: Israeli hospital hit by missile – as Israel bombs nuclear reactor after warning Iranians to flee | World News | Sky News
The UK’s Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence were aware of Israel’s plan to attack Iran, but the Israeli government’s formal notification is unclear.
13 June – Operation Rising Lion
Just after midnight on 13 June 2025, Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion, a large-scale military operation targeting key Iranian nuclear, military, and leadership sites with the stated aim of neutralizing the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program to Israel’s survival. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the operation, emphasizing that it would continue “for as many days as it takes” to remove the Iranian threat. The strikes involved over 200 Israeli fighter aircraft, including F-35I Adir stealth fighters, and more than 330 munitions, hitting approximately 100 targets across Iran.
Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear sites and kills top generals. Iran retaliates | AP News
Israel launched a series of attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities on June 13, 2025, killing top generals and scientists. Iran retaliated with ballistic missile strikes on Israel, causing damage and casualties.
Key Points
Key aspects of the operation include:
- Targets: The Natanz Nuclear Facility, which houses centrifuges crucial to producing highly enriched uranium, was among the primary targets. The Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP) at Natanz, containing 1,700 advanced centrifuges including IR-4 and IR-6 models, was destroyed. Other nuclear sites targeted included the Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center and the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant.
- Military Infrastructure: Strikes also hit Iranian airbases such as the 2nd Tactical Airbase at Tabriz Shahid Madani International Airport, Hamadan Airbase, and the Arak Heavy Water Reactor Facility. Several missile bases, including the Amand Missile Base and the IRGC’s Kermanshah Underground Missile Facility, were reportedly damaged or destroyed.
- Leadership Targets: High-ranking Iranian military officials were among those killed, including IRGC Commander-in-Chief Hossein Salami, Head of Khatam-al Anbiya HQ Gen. Gholamali Rashid, and former AEOI head Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani. Strikes also reportedly targeted residences of senior commanders and the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
- Tactical Approach: The operation combined stealth airpower, drone swarms, and covert operations, overwhelming Iranian early-warning systems and air defenses. Israeli commandos reportedly pre-positioned explosive drones inside Iran months earlier to disable radars and communications nodes ahead of the main strike.
- Immediate Aftermath: Following the strikes, Iran initiated retaliatory attacks under Operation True Promise III, launching around 100 drones toward Israel. Iranian airspace was closed shortly after the attack, and commercial flights were diverted to avoid the conflict zone.
Everything We Know About Operation Rising Lion: Israel’s Attack on Iran | The Aviationist
Iran launches waves of missiles at Israel in response to attacks | Israel-Iran conflict News | Al Jazeera
Iran has launched a wave of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation.
The attack has caused damage and injuries in Tel Aviv, with at least 40 people reported injured. The situation remains tense, with Iran’s airspace closed until 2pm local time on Saturday and air defense systems activated in Tehran.Israel says missile launched from Yemen fell in Hebron; at least 5 Palestinians hurt | Reuters
A missile launched from Yemen fell in Hebron, Israel, injuring at least 5 Palestinians.Ungentlemanly Robots: Israel’s Operation Rising Lion and the New Way of War
The article discusses Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, a military operation that involved the use of small explosive drones and fighter aircraft to conduct precision strikes against Iranian nuclear and military targets. The operation’s success can be attributed to the combination of conventional long-range strikes and unconventional operations, which created operational dislocation and disrupted Iranian decision-making channels. This approach is seen as a blueprint for future joint campaigns and highlights the importance of integrating special forces with low-cost drones and long-range precision strike campaigns. The author argues that this model of warfare is reminiscent of the “ungentlemanly warriors” of World War II and has significant implications for the US military’s future operations.The real reason Israel attacked Iran | Israel-Iran conflict | Al Jazeera
The article discusses the recent Israeli attack on Iranian military and civilian infrastructure, questioning the official justification of a “preventive” strike. The article argues that Israel’s true motives may be to demonstrate its military might and to distract from its own domestic and international crises. The attack may also be an attempt to rally support and maintain impunity for Israel’s actions. The author suggests that Israel’s actions are driven by a desire for security and supremacy, rather than a genuine concern for its own safety.
14 June
In the early morning of 14 June, Iranian media reported two projectiles, an explosion, then a fire, at Tehran’s It also reported Iranian air defenses engaging Israeli projectiles above Isfahan and exchanging fire with Israeli drones on reconnaissance missions in northwestern Iran.
Blast reported at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport; 2 projectiles said to hit area | The Times of Israel
A blast has been reported at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport in Iran, with local media citing heavy smoke and a “blast” in the area.
The Fars news agency reports that two projectiles hit the area around the airport.Israeli airstrikes continue in Tehran and Isfahan, videos show | Iran International
Israeli airstrikes have hit several parts of Iran, including Tehran, with multiple explosions reported in eastern Tehran. The situation is escalating, with Iran’s air defenses attempting to shoot down Israeli projectiles.
15 June
The Weizmann Institute in Israel was damaged in an Iranian missile attack. In response, Israel bombed an Iranian plane at Mashhad Airport and claims to have struck the Ministry of Justice. Iran arrested two alleged Mossad operatives.
Weizmann Institute of Science damaged in latest Iranian missile barrage | The Times of Israel
The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, has reportedly been damaged in a recent Iranian missile attack. A fire broke out in at least one laboratory building, raising concerns that people may be trapped inside.Video shows smoke rising from Iranian Ministry of Justice – BBC
The BBC has “verified” a video that appears to show an Israeli strike on the building of Iran’s Ministry of Justice.In ‘most distant strike,’ Israeli Air Force bombs Iranian plane at Mashhad Airport in northeast Iran | The Times of Israel
The IDF confirms the Israeli Air Force bombed an Iranian refueling plane at Mashhad Airport in northeast Iran, some 2,300 kilometers from Israel, marking the “most distant strike since the beginning of the operation.”Iran says it arrested 2 Mossad operatives – Al Jazeera
Iran says it arrested two individuals, accusing them of being members of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad.
They were detained in Alborz province while they were preparing explosives and electronic devices, the semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported.
16 June
Iran executes alleged Mossad spy – Al Jazeera
A news agency affiliated with the Iranian judiciary says an undercover agent working for the Israeli spy agency has been executed after his sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court.
Mizan Online reported that the suspect, Ismail Fikri, was hanged for passing classified and sensitive information “to the enemies of” Iran.
Fikri was reportedly in contact with two Mossad officers while working for Israel.
He was arrested and charged by the authorities in Iran in December 2023.
17 June
The Haifa oil refinery was struck again on 17 June, which killed 3 people and inflicted further damage on the refinery causing it to continue being shut down. Trump called for the complete evacuation of Tehran, declared that “we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran”, and called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” while threatening to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He also convened the US national security council. Vice President JD Vance has indicated that the United States may join the war against Iran.
Israel Conducts New Strikes on Tehran and Trump Calls for Iran’s ‘Unconditional Surrender’ | WSJ
The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with Israel conducting new strikes on Tehran and President Trump calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” The article suggests that the US may be considering joining Israel’s bombing campaign, which could lead to a wider war in the region.Iranian Strike Hits Israeli Oil Refinery for Second Time, Killing Three | WSJ
The WSJ reports on an attack by Iran that targeted an Israeli oil refinery, resulting in the deaths of three people. This is the second time such an incident has occurred.
18 June
Trump has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as the conflict with Israel escalates. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Khamenei, warned of severe consequences if the US intervenes. Amid these tensions, Iran is throttling internet access to prevent cyberattacks, while oil prices spike and US stocks decline due to fears of broader conflict.
Trump calls for Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ as Israel-Iran air war rages on
Trump calls for Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’, indicating a significant development in the conflict.
The article also mentions the impact of the regional influence on oil markets, which are currently on high alert.Iran warns US intervention in conflict with Israel risks ‘all out war’ | Israel-Iran conflict News | Al Jazeera
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has vowed not to surrender and warned the US of “irreparable damage” if it intervenes in the conflict. The US has sent warplanes and an aircraft carrier to the region and has threatened a massive response to any attack.Iran cutting off internet access to stop Israeli cyberattacks | The Verge
Iran has begun throttling internet access for its civilians in an attempt to prevent purported Israeli cyberattacks.
Iran’s government is urging citizens to delete popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, claiming they have been weaponized by Israel to spy on users. The situation has raised concerns about potential “spillover” cyberattacks on American companies and critical US infrastructure.Meta ‘concerned’ Iran could ban WhatsApp after snooping claims | Technology News | Al Jazeera
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has expressed concern that Iran may block the messaging app due to false reports of snooping by Israel. Iranian state media has urged citizens to delete WhatsApp, citing concerns that the app is being used to access private information. Meta has denied the claims, stating that WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted and that the company does not track users’ precise location or maintain logs of who is messaging whom. The situation is reminiscent of a previous ban on WhatsApp and Instagram in Iran, which was lifted two months after being added to the list of prohibited apps.Oil prices spike, US stocks fall on Israel-Iran crisis | Al Jazeera
Oil prices have spiked over 4% due to fears of a broader conflict involving the US in the Israel-Iran crisis. The crisis has led to a decline in US stocks, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite falling 0.84% and 0.91% respectively. Iran has the world’s third-largest crude oil reserves and second-largest gas reserves, and any disruption to its oil exports could have significant global economic implications.Iranian Crypto Exchange Nobitex Hacked for $90M by Suspected Israeli Group
The Iranian crypto exchange Nobitex has been hacked for $90 million by the suspected Israeli group Gonjeshke Darande. The group, believed to have ties to Israeli intelligence, targeted state-owned Bank Sepah a day prior and is threatening to leak Nobitex’s source code, calling the platform a “terror-financing tool” used to bypass sanctions. The stolen funds were sent to vanity addresses created through “brute force” methods, suggesting the hack was not financially motivated but rather a political message.
19 June
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Israel has assured the safety of its personnel at the Russian-built nuclear power plant in Bushehr, Iran. The conflict has intensified, with Iran’s missile strikes damaging an Israeli hospital, while US President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran is nearing nuclear weapon development contradicts US intelligence reports, echoing the rhetoric used by George W. Bush before the Iraq invasion.
Putin says Israel assures safety at Russian-built Iranian nuclear site | Israel-Iran conflict | Al Jazeera
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Israel has given assurances about the safety of its personnel at Iran’s Russian-built nuclear power plant in Bushehr. Russia and Iran have been working on the joint project for three decades. He made the comments at a meeting with foreign press.Israel-Iran latest: Direct hit from Iranian missile causes ‘extensive damage’ to major Israeli hospital | Independent
Israel’s main hospital in the south suffered extensive damage after Iran fired a barrage of missiles.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its seventh day, with Israel attacking Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor and Iranian retaliatory strikes killing two dozen civilians in Israel.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran was “just weeks away” from having a nuclear weapon, contradicting a US intelligence report.
The US has begun evacuating nonessential diplomats and their families from the US embassy in Israel due to the escalating conflict.UK would have to sign off on US use of Diego Garcia base for raid on Iran | Foreign policy | The Guardian
The UK government will need to approve the US use of its Diego Garcia base for a potential bombing raid on Iran. Tensions in the Middle East are escalating, with concerns growing about possible US intervention between Israel and Iran.
Leave a Reply