Battle Lines: Israel vs Iran 2025
Noteworthy attacks and incidents
June 13, 2025 – Israel starts “Operation Rising Lion”
Over 200 Israeli airstrikes hit major Iranian military and nuclear sites, including Tehran, Isfahan, Natanz, and Tabriz.
Several of Iran’s top military leaders and nuclear scientists were killed, reportedly.
Damage to civilians’ infrastructure caused a mass international outcry.
June 15–16, 2025 – Iran retaliates with “Operation True Promise 3”
Iran struck Tel Aviv, Petah Tikva, and Haifa in a wave of drones and missiles. The American Embassy in Tel Aviv was damaged slightly. 24 Israelis died and dozens were wounded.
24 Israelis were killed and dozens more wounded.
Victims & Damage
Iran:
Approximately 585 deaths, of which around 239 civilians
More than 1,300
Major cities face blackouts, fuel, and Internet disruptions
Israel:
24 killed, including civilians
Multiple cities impacted; antimissile defenses overrun in locations
Airstrikes and Military Power
Israel’s air force dominates Iranian skies.
F‑35 fighter jets disabled radar facilities and air defenses.
The Fordow nuclear site is still intact—too deep for conventional bombs.
Mossad operations inside Iran were targeting missile sites. Iran’s air defenses, S-300 included, were not effective.
Defense Systems in Tension
Israel’s ballistic missile defense systems — Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow — are being pushed to their functional limits.
Interceptor missile reserves are rapidly running low.
U.S. military aid is expected to help restore these critical supplies.
U.S. Intervention and Global Response
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has vocally supported Israel, calling for Iran’s total surrender.
While the United States has avoided direct military engagement, it continues to supply intelligence and logistical support.
Despite G7 nations pressing for a ceasefire, the U.S. remains reluctant to advocate for immediate de-escalation.
Humanitarian Emergency
Over 100,000 civilians have fled Tehran amid growing fears.
The crisis has triggered panic buying, severe fuel shortages, and widespread disruptions to electricity and internet access.
Foreign embassies are urging swift evacuations, while the United Nations is calling for restraint and a diplomatic path forward.
Regional Fallout
Militants like Houthi militias and Hezbollah have also entered the fray.
In May, a UAV attack on Ben Gurion Airport heightened Middle East security concerns.
Israeli troops bombed a Hezbollah unmanned aerial vehicle center in Lebanon on June 5.
Analysts and diplomats foresee a deepening war that could escalate into a Middle East-wide conflict.
Current Status – June 18, 2025
Israel still dominates the skies but cannot on its own wipe out Iran’s underground fortified facilities.
While Iran’s retaliatory capabilities have declined, it remains a serious threat against Middle East stability.
Israeli leaders are seeking top-of-the-line American bunker-buster bombs in order to attack hardened facilities like Fordow.
Resupply of missile defenses is now a priority not to be left open for a further attack.
Regional Fallout
Militants like Houthi militias and Hezbollah have also entered the fray.
In May, a UAV attack on Ben Gurion Airport heightened Middle East security concerns.
Israeli troops bombed a Hezbollah unmanned aerial vehicle center in Lebanon on June 5.
Analysts and diplomats foresee a deepening war that could escalate into a Middle East-wide conflict.
Current Status – June 18, 2025
Israel still dominates the skies but cannot on its own wipe out Iran’s underground fortified facilities.
While Iran’s retaliatory capabilities have declined, it remains a serious threat against Middle East stability.
Israeli leaders are seeking top-of-the-line American bunker-buster bombs in order to attack hardened facilities like Fordow.
Resupply of missile defenses is now a priority not to be left open for a further attack.
Current Status – June 18, 2025
Israel still dominates the skies, but is not in a position by itself to destroy Iran’s well-protected underground bases.
Even though Iran’s retaliatory capabilities have decreased, it is still capable of unleashing large counterstrikes.
Israeli leaders want advanced U.S. bunker-buster bombs in order to strike deep underground facilities like Iran’s Fordow nuclear site.
Stocking up on missile defense is a priority today in order to protect against a renewed assault.
What to Watch Next
Will America escalate its involvement from support to direct military action?
Could Iran release its entirety of coalition of militias from across the region?
Is it still possible for negotiations to avert a complete regional war?
Is Tel Aviv and Tehran on the brink of urban unrest in the confines of their cities?
