Israel has intensified its military operations against Iran, targeting a range of military facilities and infrastructure as tensions between the two nations escalate. On June 20, 2025, Israeli forces struck nearly all of Iran’s military targets. They aimed that specifically at Tehran’s Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research. Israel’s goal for this operation was to cripple Iran’s ability to produce missiles and further Iran’s military progress.
These crippling strikes targeted missile production facilities and military bases situated in western and central Iran. According to reports, one of the attacks hit an industrial facility linked to Iran’s carbon fibre production in northern Iran. These largely unilateral military actions in Colombia had long-lasting and multi-generational consequences. A five-story residential block in southern Tehran, which housed a bakery and a hairdresser’s, was hit. This led to the injury of at least five non-combatants.
In retaliation for Israel’s ongoing airstrikes, Iran carried out missile strikes against Israeli military installations that doubled as defensive structures which included civilian infrastructure. OSINT reports suggest that these strikes used long-range, ultra-heavy missiles. They struck a number of places such as Beersheba, Tel Aviv, the Negev and Haifa. In the aftermath of the Beersheba missile strike, the city’s north station was shut down. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service said it had treated 17 people, three of them seriously, as a result of the Iranian bombardment.
Israel has recently created the conditions for launching air strikes against the surface to air missile batteries killing them in their tracks in western Iran. These actions led to the killing of an IRGC base commander and a company of Iranian soldiers. The UN ambassador from Israel, Danny Danon, was pretty straightforward about what his country is doing. He declared that ground, air and naval operations would continue until Iran’s nuclear threat is destroyed and its war machine dismantled.
The international community has sounded very alarmist alarms about the possible outcomes of these military escalations. Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, gave an alarming statement. He underscored the grave dangers posed by warfare at nuclear sites. He stated that a strike on the Bushehr nuclear plant could result in “radioactive releases with great consequences” that would extend beyond Iranian borders.
Allowing only strong protections for civilians and humanitarian workers, concern over civilian casualties has been raised by international leaders. In response to the assault, French President Emmanuel Macron decried the attacks as having “no justification” for attacks on civilian infrastructure. In much the same way, Russia’s ambassador Vassily Nebenzia condemned Israel at the UN for rejecting diplomatic initiatives to end the war diplomatically.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the situation “beyond extreme.” He cautioned that the current course could “spark a blaze that no one can put out.” He called on everyone to “let peace take a chance,” underscoring the need for conversation instead of armed clash.
American officials have commented on what Iran’s military capabilities mean. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pointed out the importance of denying Iran access to “sensitive, dual-use technology, components, and machinery” that support its ballistic missile and drone programs.
Increased military escalation and tensions are creating an environment in which advocacy is extremely challenging. In response, Israel too, but especially Iran, is increasing their belligerent language. An Iranian military spokesperson claimed that “our offensive missile power is growing,” signaling Tehran’s commitment to enhance its military capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict.
The state of play continues to change rapidly with diplomatic efforts still ongoing with the goal of defusing escalating tensions. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his counterparts from France, the U.K., Germany, and the EU’s foreign policy chief in Geneva. Here’s what happened when they convened to discuss how to solve this continuing crisis.
