Iran-Israel Flashpoint: Is The World Sleepwalking Into Nuclear Annihilation?

Yet another chapter of conflict has etched itself into the pages of modern history. After the devastating wars between Russia and Ukraine, and the relentless bloodshed in Gaza-Israel, the world now stands witness to a new theatre of war. On 13 June 2025, Israel launched a sudden and aggressive strike, calling it “Operation Rising Lion” on Iran, escalating tensions in an already volatile region.

In swift retaliation, the Iranian government carried out a series of counterattacks targeting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, sending shockwaves through the global diplomatic community. What began as a single offensive strike has now spiraled into a dangerous confrontation — one that threatens to further destabilize the Middle East and draw the world closer to yet another prolonged crisis.

Israel’s Strike on Iran

 On Friday, 13 June 2025, Israel launched an unprecedented wave of airstrikes targeting key nuclear and military facilities across Iran, significantly escalating their long-standing enmity into a full-blown conflict. Among the primary targets were the Natanz uranium enrichment site and the nuclear facility in Isfahan, with strikes also hitting Iran’s capital, Tehran. The attacks claimed the lives of senior Iranian military leaders, including Hossein Salami and Mohammad Bagheri, as well as prominent nuclear scientists. Civilians, including children, were reportedly killed in residential areas, further fueling outrage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long advocated for decisive action against Iran, declared the offensive a necessary step to eliminate what he called “a threat not just to Israel, but to the entire world.” He also urged the Iranian people to rise for their freedom.

Take a look at this article for live updates on the Israel-Iran Conflict!

Israel's reasoning for the attack on Iran

Iran has been accused of attempting to develop nuclear weapons many times. Israel claims it carried out the attacks to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. However, Iran has repeatedly denied that it is working on any such weapons program.

The airstrikes came shortly after the United Nations' nuclear agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reported that Iran had broken its nuclear agreement for the first time in 20 years.

According to a confidential report dated May 31, the IAEA stated that Iran had increased its production of highly enriched uranium to levels close to what is needed for a nuclear weapon. The agency noted that Iran had become the only country without nuclear weapons that is producing this kind of material.

 In a private meeting held on Thursday, the IAEA passed a resolution declaring that Iran's failure to share full details about its nuclear materials and activities was a violation of its commitments under the Safeguards Agreement.

 Deaths and injuries in Iran

Iran has lost many of its important military leaders and nuclear scientists. According to the reports, 78 people have been declared dead, with more than 320 people injured, with the majority being civilians. The IDF said three Iranian military commanders were killed in strikes, while Tehran said six scientists were also killed.

Take a look at this article for more information about the casualties of Iran!

Iran’s Response to the Strikes

Iranian officials had made it clear in their statements that Iran will retaliate and will cause serious damage to Israel. And this is exactly what happened.

Under the crippling darkness of the Saturday dawn, Iran launched it's Retaliatory “Operation True Promise lll”, which targeted both residential and military areas in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at central Tel Aviv, following a warning from its military that "everyone will feel it” and “We've arrived”.

 In a pointed statement, Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the retaliatory attacks." Using a combination of precision-guided and smart systems," the IRGC said, "Iran targeted military centers and airbases that served as the source of the criminal aggression against our country.”

 The IRGC added that its missiles struck Israeli military-industrial centers that produce missiles and other war equipment, stating that "field reports, satellite imagery, and intercepted intelligence indicate that dozens of ballistic missiles effectively hit strategic targets."

"Despite claims of interception, the enemy failed to counter the waves of missile strikes launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran," the statement continued.

Deaths and Injuries in Israel

At least two people have died following Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel.

"A woman in her 60s was rescued unconscious and without vital signs, and a man around 45 was pronounced dead after being evacuated”  MDA stated.

 More than 21 people have been reported to be injured in the attack. With severe damage being caused to residential areas, the civilians have evacuated their houses and are still seeking refuge in safety zones.

 US: The Alleged Mastermind

Iran has accused the US of being the mastermind behind the strikes and that they already had intel about a potential military escalation from Israel.

 In response the US bureau official McCoy Pitt has clarified that the US was "advised" of Israel's intended action against Iran before it happened, and Israel told them it was "necessary for its self-defence".

"The United States was informed of the strikes ahead of time but was not militarily involved in these strikes," Pitt told the UN Security Council. Our absolute, foremost priority is the protection of US citizens, personnel, and forces in the region. If Iran were to target American citizens, bases or infrastructure, Pitt said: "The consequences for Iran would be dire."

He said the US maintained that Iran should make a deal, and they would seek a "diplomatic resolution". "Iran’s leadership would be wise to negotiate at this time.”

Take a look at this article for more information about the US's reaction!

Reactions of the other countries

 China and Russia have condemned Israel's attack. "China condemns Israel's violations of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity", UN envoy Fu Cong said at the UN Security Council's emergency.

“Beijing is 'seriously concerned' about the negative impact of the current situation on Iran nuclear negotiations, he added, urging Israel to immediately stop all military actions to avoid further escalation.”

 Fu also said that Iran's right to "peaceful use of nuclear energy as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons should be fully respected".

Russian leader Vladimir Putin, on the other hand, told Iran's president over the phone on Friday that Moscow condemned Israeli actions against Tehran, and in a separate telephone conversation,n told Israel's prime minister that only diplomacy could resolve issues around Iran's nuclear programme

What's next?

The future of this conflict still seems uncertain, as both countries have continued attacking and counterattacking relentlessly. Despite the US’s attempt at negotiations, both Israel and Iran stand firm on their decisions of “no de-escalation”.