A Week of War: Israel and Iran Locked in Escalating Conflict

One week into a rapidly intensifying war between Israel and Iran, the region remains on edge as both sides continue trading missile strikes, and fears of a broader conflict grow—with U.S. intervention now looming as a real possibility.

While tensions between the two nations have simmered for years, fueled by Israel’s repeated warnings over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Tehran’s growing arsenal of ballistic missiles, the conflict erupted into open warfare on June 13 with Israel’s launch of “Operation Rising Lion.”

A Preemptive Strike Ignites the Fuse

The first signs came on June 12, when Israel’s military ordered residents of District 18 in Tehran to evacuate. Hours later, at approximately 3:30 a.m. on June 13, loud explosions rocked the Iranian capital as Israel confirmed it had struck dozens of military targets, including the Natanz nuclear facility—one of Iran’s most critical uranium enrichment sites.

“This was a strike to the heart of Iran’s nuclear program,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared. “If left unchecked, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a matter of weeks.” Tehran insisted its nuclear activities were for peaceful purposes, while Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment.” Iran’s foreign minister called the airstrikes “an act of war.”

Iran Responds With Firepower

Within hours, Iran retaliated with “Operation True Promise 3,” launching over 100 ballistic missiles at Israeli air bases and defense sites. The tit-for-tat escalated quickly, with Iran suffering heavy losses—including IRGC Commander Hossein Salami and at least 14 top nuclear scientists, according to Israeli reports.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed air dominance over Tehran by June 17 and reported it had destroyed nearly one-third of Iran’s missile launch systems. Iran, in turn, launched missile barrages into central and southern Israel, killing at least eight civilians and forcing mass evacuations.

On June 18, Israel responded with 60 fighter jets targeting over 20 nuclear-related facilities in Tehran. Hours later, Iran fired back with a fresh barrage of 30 missiles, striking key urban centers including Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon. Israeli media reported significant damage.

U.S. Poised to Intervene?

As speculation grows over potential American involvement, Supreme Leader Khamenei warned that any U.S. intervention would trigger “irreversible consequences.” According to CBS News, President Donald Trump is weighing targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, including Fordow—an ultra-secure underground facility that Israeli bombs are believed incapable of destroying.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that up to 15,000 centrifuges at Natanz may have been heavily damaged. However, he noted that Fordow appeared largely untouched.

Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, acknowledged on June 16 that only the United States possesses the GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs needed to destroy Fordow—munitions deployable only by U.S. B-2 stealth bombers.

“A unilateral Israeli strike might delay Iran’s nuclear program by weeks or months,” said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group. “But U.S. involvement could set it back by one to two years.” He warned, however, that U.S. intervention would likely “shut the door on diplomacy” and drive Iran to accelerate its weapons program in secret.

Devastation on Both Sides

The human cost of the conflict is mounting fast. Iran has reported at least 225 dead and 1,480 wounded, many of them civilians. Israel has counted 24 deaths and over 800 injuries from Iranian counterstrikes.

Panic and chaos have gripped both nations. In Tehran, traffic has ground to a halt as residents flee the capital. “We just want to survive,” said Zahra, a fashion designer, as she tried to leave the city. “We have no internet, no news—just the fear of the next missile.”

On the Israeli side, air raid sirens have become part of daily life. “It’s terrifying not knowing whether a missile will fall near your home,” said Ella Keren, a resident of Tel Aviv.

What Comes Next?

This is the most sustained and destructive direct conflict between Israel and Iran since October 2024, when Iran fired nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. Analysts warn that the current escalation is far more dangerous.

“This is well beyond anything we’ve anticipated,” said Aaron Stein, President of the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

The coming days will be critical. While Israel presses its offensive, the Biden administration must weigh whether to escalate or push for a ceasefire. The world watches—anxious that what began as a regional firefight could ignite a much wider war.

Sources: BBC, NPR, Sky News