Category: International

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran entered its ninth consecutive day on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with no sign of de-escalation as both nations exchanged missile and drone strikes. The Israeli military targeted critical nuclear infrastructure in Iran, while Tehran retaliated with missiles armed with cluster munitions — marking the first confirmed use of such controversial weapons in this round of hostilities. In a major development, an Israeli military official confirmed that two centrifuge production sites in Iran’s Isfahan province were destroyed in overnight airstrikes. These facilities, believed to be essential for Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, represent a critical blow to Tehran’s capabilities. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the elimination of two high-ranking Quds Force commanders, deepening the military dimension of the conflict: Following the strikes, the IDF issued a strongly worded statement on X, saying: “Ruled by an extremist regime, Iran threatens global security with its nuclear ambitions and desire for regional domination. They must be stopped.” The United States is closely monitoring the rapidly intensifying conflict. According to a senior U.S. official, President Donald Trump convened a high-level national security meeting at the White House on Friday to review the situation and assess whether the U.S. should intervene. The outcome of the meeting remains undisclosed, but global stakeholders are watching closely, fearing a broader regional war. As casualties mount and tensions boil over, international calls for restraint are growing louder — yet both sides appear firmly committed to their military objectives, raising grave concerns over regional and global stability.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel entered its seventh day on Thursday, with significant escalations on both sides. A hospital in the Israeli city of Beersheba was struck during a barrage of Iranian missile attacks, prompting international concern and strong condemnation from Israeli officials. While Iran claimed it was targeting a military site near Soroka Medical Center, Israeli authorities said the hospital itself sustained serious damage. At least 271 people were injured in attacks across the country, and 24 have been killed since the hostilities began on June 13. In retaliation, Israel launched fresh strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, including the Arak heavy water reactor and a facility in Natanz, both critical sites in Iran’s nuclear program. The Arak reactor, though currently inactive, can produce plutonium – a key ingredient for nuclear weapons. Residents of nearby cities Arak and Khondab were reportedly warned by Israeli forces to evacuate prior to the strike. Iranian state media initially reported 224 fatalities as of June 15. However, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a Washington-based organization, stated that 639 people have been killed in Iran since the start of the conflict. The conflict began when Israel attacked Iranian nuclear sites on June 13, killing several high-ranking generals and nuclear scientists. Iran responded by intensifying its missile attacks, including one that hit the business district of Ramat Gan, east of Tel Aviv, injuring around 20 people. At Soroka Hospital, the damage was described as extensive, with fire spreading across multiple wards, ceilings collapsing, and windows shattered. According to Prof. Shlomi Codish, the hospital’s CEO, about 200 patients will be relocated to other medical centers due to the destruction. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the missile strike on the hospital as a “deliberate” and “criminal” act. He vowed to “exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran,” asserting that the Israeli military had already severely damaged Iran’s nuclear program. Netanyahu further claimed that “no one is immune,” in response to a question about whether Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a target. Defence Minister Israel Katz went a step further, stating that Khamenei “can no longer be allowed to exist”, accusing him of personally ordering attacks on civilian facilities, including hospitals. Israel also claims that Iran has taken steps toward weaponizing its enriched uranium stockpile, which Tehran insists is for peaceful energy use. In turn, Iran has lodged a complaint with the UN nuclear watchdog, accusing Israel of violating international laws prohibiting attacks on nuclear installations. Iranian armed forces declared their response would have “no limits.” As the region remains on edge, international observers are closely watching for further developments, fearing a broader escalation of the already volatile situation.