Escalation in Middle East: Iran and Israel Exchange Strikes, International Alarm Grows

The long-simmering tensions between Iran and Israel have erupted into open warfare, marking an unprecedented period of direct military confrontation that has sent shockwaves across the globe. As of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the conflict has entered its sixth day, characterized by a steady exchange of missile and drone strikes from both sides. International alarm is escalating, with numerous countries and leaders urging de-escalation amidst fears of a wider regional catastrophe.

Latest Developments: A Deadly Exchange

The past few days have seen a significant intensification of strikes. Israel initiated a major campaign of fighter jet and drone attacks across Iran, reportedly targeting nuclear and military sites, including surface-to-surface missile production facilities, detection radar sites, and surface-to-air missile launchers. Reports also indicate strikes on residential areas and fuel depots. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that two centrifuge production facilities in Iran – the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center – were hit in Israeli attacks on Wednesday. Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) stated that these strikes were part of “extensive operation” targeting more than 50 Iranian military installations.

In retaliation, Iran has launched barrages of missiles and drones, hitting Israeli cities and towns. Sirens have blared across Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with explosions seen in the skies as Israel’s robust air defenses, including the Iron Dome and Arrow systems, intercept incoming projectiles.

Tragically, the escalating conflict has taken a toll on human lives. Reports indicate at least 224 fatalities in Iran, mostly civilians, with over 1,200 injured, according to Iran’s health ministry and human rights organizations. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed by Iranian missiles that slipped through air defenses, and 94 Israelis have been treated for injuries from overnight strikes. A major oil refinery in Haifa was among the targets hit by Iranian rockets.

Iran’s Stance: Warnings and Resolve

Iranian officials have issued stern warnings, particularly directed at the United States. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed on Wednesday that his country would show “no mercy” towards Israel’s rulers and would “never surrender.” He warned that any U.S. military intervention would result in “serious irreparable consequences” for the Americans.

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Al Jazeera that “any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region,” and that if Tehran concludes the U.S. is directly involved, it “will start responding to the U.S.” This includes preparedness to target U.S. bases in the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also claimed its hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles were “repeatedly shaking the shelters” in Tel Aviv.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, stated that Iran would respond to Israeli strikes “strongly” and “without restraint,” emphasizing that they would “not show any reluctance in defending our people, security and land.”

Israel’s Stance: Deterrence and Regime Change Speculation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that his operations will “continue for as many days as it takes to remove the threat.” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on X, “A storm is passing over Tehran. This is how dictatorships collapse,” hinting at a possible objective beyond just deterrence.

The IDF has confirmed striking military targets in Tehran, including a centrifuge production facility near Karaj and other sites aimed at damaging Iran’s nuclear weapons development program. Israeli officials have also reportedly advised residents in Tehran to evacuate certain areas to allow for military strikes, asserting a growing confidence in their air dominance over the Iranian capital. The Israeli military claimed to have destroyed five Iranian AH-1 attack helicopters at a base in western Iran.

International Reactions and Leader Statements

The international community is largely expressing deep concern and calling for de-escalation:

• United States: President Donald Trump initially distanced the U.S. from Israel’s surprise strike but has since hinted at greater U.S. involvement, stating he wants “something much bigger” than a ceasefire. He claimed “complete and total control of the skies over Iran” and issued a direct threat to Ayatollah Khamenei, saying, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.” The U.S. has deployed additional aircraft carriers and warplanes to the region and closed its embassy in Jerusalem until Friday.
• Russia: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that Moscow and Washington are in contact regarding the conflict. Russia has warned that direct U.S. military support for Israel could “radically destabilize” the Middle East. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the world is “millimeters away from catastrophe.”
• China: China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed support for Tehran, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi telling his Iranian counterpart that Beijing “supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty.” To Israel’s Foreign Minister, Wang stated that Israel’s actions were “unacceptable” and emphasized that “force cannot bring lasting peace,” offering to play a role in de-escalation. China has also evacuated more than 700 of its citizens from Iran and Israel.
• European Union (EU): Leaders from the EU have expressed deep concern and called for restraint from both sides, urging them not to get “pulled ever deeper into a catastrophic conflict.”
• Turkey: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has backed Iran’s “right to self-defense,” stating that the region was defending itself against Israel’s “illegal, ‘crazed’ attacks” and “state terrorism.” He also expressed that the issue of Iran’s nuclear program “can only be resolved through negotiations.” The UK has temporarily withdrawn families of its diplomatic staff in Israel due to the escalating tensions.
• G7 Leaders: During a recent summit, G7 leaders called for calm in the Middle East and reaffirmed their commitment to global peace and energy stability. They reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself while emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians. They also reiterated that Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon” and urged for a broader de-escalation in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.

The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides indicating a readiness to continue military actions. The international community continues to push for diplomatic solutions to avert a broader regional conflict.