The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its ninth day, with the Israeli Air Force (IAF) continuing its aggressive air campaign against Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. The latest wave of strikes, part of Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” has targeted missile systems, radar installations, and nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Tehran, significantly degrading Iran’s air defenses and expanding Israel’s freedom of aerial operations in Iranian airspace.
Israeli Strikes Target Key Iranian Assets
The IAF has conducted precision strikes on several Iranian missile systems and radar installations in the cities of Isfahan and Tehran, which were intended to counter IDF aircraft and disrupt their operations. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), these strikes have crippled Iran’s air defense network, allowing Israeli fighter jets, including F-35I Adir stealth fighters, F-15s, and F-16s, to operate freely over Iranian skies. A video released by the IDF showed a targeted strike on an air defense system in Isfahan, underscoring Israel’s claim of aerial supremacy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes aim to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities, which Israel views as an “existential threat.” The IDF has reported hitting over 200 targets since the campaign began on June 12, including the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, the Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility, and missile bases in Kermanshah and Tehran provinces. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed damage to underground infrastructure at Natanz, with thousands of centrifuges likely destroyed due to disrupted power supplies.
In addition to military targets, Israel has struck energy infrastructure, including the Shahran oil depot in Tehran, sparking fires and raising concerns about Middle Eastern energy supplies. The IDF also targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry headquarters and facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists.
✈️ The IAF continues its mission to maintain aerial superiority in Iranian airspace.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 20, 2025
Fighter jets struck several Iranian missile systems and radar installations in the areas of Isfahan and Tehran, which were intended to target IDF aircraft and disrupt their operations.
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Iran’s Retaliatory Missile Barrages
Iran has responded with multiple waves of ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israel, codenamed “Operation Severe Punishment” and “Operation True Promise III.” Since June 13, Iran has launched over 270 missiles, with some penetrating Israel’s multilayered air defense systems, including the Iron Dome. Strikes have hit civilian areas in Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Haifa, and Holon, killing at least 24 people and injuring over 390 as of June 17. A notable attack on June 19 involved a missile carrying cluster submunitions, marking a first in this conflict and raising concerns about civilian casualties.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a “harsh response” to Israel’s strikes, accusing Israel of targeting civilians. Iranian state media reported 224 deaths, with 90% being civilians, though independent sources like Human Rights Activists in Iran estimate a higher toll of 639, including 263 civilians. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran’s responses would cease if Israeli strikes stop, but accused the U.S. of complicity.
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Diplomatic Fallout and Regional Implications
The escalation has derailed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks scheduled for June 15 in Oman, with Iran withdrawing after Israel’s initial strikes. U.S. President Donald Trump, while denying direct U.S. involvement, has expressed support for Israel but urged both sides to negotiate a deal to end the conflict. Trump warned Iran against attacking U.S. interests, stating that any such action would trigger a severe U.S. military response. The U.S. has bolstered its regional presence, deploying the USS Nimitz carrier strike group to join the USS Carl Vinson in the Middle East.
The United Nations Security Council has called for restraint, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning that the conflict could “ignite a fire no one can control.” Countries in the region, including Syria and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, have condemned Israel’s actions, with the Houthis launching missiles at Israel in support of Iran.
Humanitarian and Economic Impact
In Iran, the strikes have disrupted daily life, with Tehran’s governor ordering remote work for government employees until June 18. Civilians have been instructed to shelter in underground parking lots due to the lack of bomb shelters. In Israel, sirens and missile interceptions have forced residents into shelters, canceling events like Tel Aviv’s Pride parade.
The conflict has raised fears of a broader regional war, with potential impacts on global energy markets. Iran’s oil exports, primarily from Kharg Island, face risks as Israel targets energy infrastructure. Palestinians in Gaza have expressed concerns that the focus on Iran is diverting attention from their humanitarian crisis.
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Outlook
As Israel continues its air campaign and Iran vows further retaliation, the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues missile attacks, while Iran’s IRGC claims new tactics to bypass Israel’s defenses. The international community remains divided, with calls for diplomacy clashing against Israel’s determination to neutralize Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities.