Introduction

The Middle East has long been a region of political turbulence and ideological divides, but the outbreak of the Iran v Israel war in June 2025 brought tensions to an explosive climax. This short yet devastating conflict, often referred to as the Twelve-Day War, marked the most intense direct confrontation between the two regional powers in modern history. Lasting from June 13 to June 24, the war involved precision airstrikes, cyber warfare, assassinations, and massive retaliatory attacks, leaving thousands dead and many more wounded or displaced.

This article explores the background, timeline, and implications of the Iran v Israel war, offering readers a detailed and critical account of how the war unfolded—and what it means for the future of the region and global security.

Also Read: Pakistan and India War

Background Iran v Israel War: Decades in the Making

The animosity between Iran and Israel is neither sudden nor baseless. It stems from ideological and geopolitical rivalries that date back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, when Iran’s newly formed Islamic Republic turned vehemently anti-West and anti-Israel. Over the years, Iran supported proxy groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, both of which directly opposed Israel’s existence.

The Israeli government, meanwhile, has viewed Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed between Iran and six world powers to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities, was voided in 2018 by U.S. President Donald Trump. This withdrawal accelerated Iran’s uranium enrichment, prompting concerns from both Israel and Western powers.

By early 2025, tensions had already escalated due to the ongoing Gaza War, Iranian-backed militias attacking Israel from Syria and Yemen, and repeated cyber operations between Tehran and Tel Aviv. The final trigger came in April 2025, when Israel bombed the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing senior Iranian officials. Tensions simmered until they boiled over on June 13.

Operation Rising Lion: Israel Strikes First – Iran v Israel War

On the early morning of June 13, 2025, Israel launched a surprise attack on multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites. Codenamed Operation Rising Lion, the assault targeted critical infrastructure in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, as well as military installations near Tehran. According to Israeli military sources, over 200 fighter jets were deployed and 330 munitions were dropped within the first 24 hours.

Covert Mossad units had already infiltrated key Iranian facilities, sabotaging air defenses and ensuring Israel’s aerial superiority. Among the dead in these opening hours were 30 Iranian generals, nine nuclear scientists, and multiple senior officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The operation was viewed by Israel as a pre-emptive move to neutralize what it considered an imminent nuclear threat.

Iran’s Retaliation: Operation True Promise II – Iran v Israel War

Iran responded with a barrage of missile and drone strikes under the name Operation True Promise III. In the first wave, over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 Shahed drones were launched at Israeli cities and military bases. Civilian areas in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Bat Yam were hit, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries.

Iran’s Quds Force also fired missiles at U.S. bases in the region, escalating the conflict further. The Houthis in Yemen, acting as Iranian allies, launched long-range missiles toward Jerusalem and the West Bank, some of which fell in Jordanand Syria, injuring civilians.

The Iranian response was not limited to missile warfare. On June 16, Iran targeted Israel’s media infrastructure, including the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) headquarters in Tehran, where two employees were killed. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack as “the height of cowardice.”

Civilian Suffering and Regional Fallout – Iran v Israel War

The war’s human cost became evident by the fifth day. According to Iranian sources, over 1,000 Iranian citizens were killed, including 140 women and children, and more than 5,800 were wounded. Iran’s Red Crescent confirmed attacks on 18 of Iran’s 31 provinces.

Israel reported 29 civilian deaths, 3,238 injured, and mass displacement, with over 9,000 Israelis forced to flee their homes. The Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba was directly hit by an Iranian missile, causing major damage and a chemical scare.

Cultural and educational sites weren’t spared. Iran’s Weizmann Institute of Science, oil refineries, and even mosques were targeted. Israel also faced criticism for striking civilian areas, including schools and apartment complexes.

The U.S. Joins the Fight

On June 22, the conflict entered a new phase when the United States formally intervened, launching a joint strike on Iranian nuclear facilities using B-2 Spirit bombers and Tomahawk missiles. Sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan were targeted. President Donald Trump declared the facilities “obliterated.”

Iran retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major U.S. installation. Although the missiles were intercepted, it marked a dangerous expansion of the war.

Domestically, protests erupted in Tehran against U.S. involvement, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was injured in a suspected assassination attempt tied to the conflict.

Ceasefire Negotiations and Trump’s Role

After twelve days of intense fighting, President Trump brokered a ceasefire deal with help from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Iran initially denied agreeing to the ceasefire but later confirmed a conditional halt to hostilities if Israel reciprocated.

By June 25, both sides observed a tense but firm ceasefire, though sporadic strikes and air raid sirens were reported until the last hour. Trump took to Truth Social, stating, “We will have PEACE, soon.”

Casualties and Destruction: By the Number – Iran v Isreal War

Iran also reported the arrest of 700 Mossad agents and the execution of 5. Israel claimed to have destroyed 40% of Iran’s missile launchers and 950 drones before launch.

Global Reactions

The G7, after initial hesitation from Trump, issued a joint statement calling for de-escalation. The UN Security Councilconvened an emergency session. Reactions included:

• France’s President Macron: Supported Trump’s ceasefire efforts.
• Germany and the U.S.: Justified Israel’s preemptive strikes.
• Pakistan, Turkey, and China: Condemned Israeli aggression.
• Russia and Cuba: Accused the U.S. of destabilizing the region.

Legal scholars and human rights organizations remain divided. Some, like the International Commission of Jurists, called the Israeli strikes violations of international law, while others defended them as legitimate preemptive actions.

Aftermath and Looking Ahead

Though the fighting stopped, the geopolitical tremors continue to reverberate. The IAEA believes Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been delayed but not destroyed. Reports indicate Iran moved much of its enriched uranium before the strikes. Observers fear the proxy war will intensify, especially in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.

The war also put a strain on U.S. military stockpiles, halting some arms shipments to Ukraine. Iran’s cooperation with international nuclear inspectors remains suspended, creating a blind spot in non-proliferation efforts.

In Israel, political unity surged temporarily, but criticism is mounting over the handling of civilian evacuations and post-war rebuilding.

Conclusion

The Iran v Israel war of June 2025 was a catastrophic clash that brought the long-standing cold war between two Middle Eastern giants into open confrontation. Though the ceasefire brought an end to active hostilities, the underlying tensions remain unresolved.

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