"Get out of Tehran, now!" Escalating conflict: Israel bombs Iranian capital
Continued air assaults initiated by Israel
The air onslaught continues, with Israel launching additional airstrikes on Tehran. Residents of the strategically important district are urged to flee as loud explosions rock various parts of the megacity. Meanwhile, Iran calls for the evacuation of Tel Aviv.
In the heart of the chaos, Israel's attacks on Tehran have resulted in a series of devastating explosions, reported in both the western and eastern sectors of the city. The Israeli military has called for the evacuation of about 300,000 residents from a congested area spanning roughly 30 square kilometers, which includes embassies, shopping centers, and some of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods. This evacuation order echoes similar controversial calls made during past conflicts, like the Gaza war.
Social media posts from Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee, in Persian, showcased a map marking the third district of Tehran, indicating imminent attacks on military infrastructure within the next few hours. Shortly following this announcement, Iran's Revolutionary Guards called for Tel Aviv residents to leave their city as soon as possible, according to state media.
"Moving towards our duel objectives"
As the situation unfolds, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged citizens residing in the Tehran area to evacuate during the ongoing Israeli attacks. Speaking at an Israeli air force base, Netanyahu stated, "We're moving towards achieving both goals: quashing the nuclear threat and the missile threat."
Netanyahu further explained, "If we control Tehran's airspace, we'll strike these targets – the regime's targets." He attributed Iran's civilian casualties in Israel to deliberate attacks on Israeli citizens and pledged to protect Israeli lives. More than 15 million people reside in and around Tehran, making it one of the world's largest urban areas. Casualties have been high in previous Israeli attacks on Iran.
Politics and Missile Defense
An Israeli Defense Ministry advisor stated that Iron Dome, Israel's advanced missile defense system, is excessively lauded. To date, seven of the rockets launched by Iran have hit Israel, causing injuries to over 100 people. Meanwhile, nighttime attacks by Iran on Tel Aviv and Haifa resulted in the deaths of at least eight civilians in Israel. The death toll in Israel since Friday reached 24, all civilians. On the Iranian side, official figures state at least 224 have lost their lives since Friday, mostly civilians.
Source: ntv.de, mdi/dpa/rts
- Israel-Iran Conflict
- Tehran Airstrikes
- Israel
- Wars and Conflicts
- Iran
Historical and Recent Developments
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran can be traced back to the 1960s, when Iran acquired the Tehran Research Reactor through the U.S. “Atoms for Peace” program. The Islamic Revolution in Iran (1979) brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power, replacing the Shah who had been allied with Israel. The new Iranian regime identified Israel as a major enemy, and Iran's nuclear program became dormant under international pressures.
The situation escalated in 2002, as Western intelligence exposed Iran's concealed nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz. Diplomatic efforts to negotiate Iran's nuclear aspirations began and continued to be a central topic of tension with Israel. The conflict has often been fought indirectly via proxy groups supported by Iran in the region, such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shiite militias in Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen. Recently, a series of Israeli airstrikes on Tehran represent a bold escalation, targeting facilities and personnel within Iran’s capital. This aggressive shift in strategy highlights the intensity of the current crisis and the potential for broader regional conflict.
In the Wider Conflict: Proxies and Escalation
The conflict has often been fought indirectly by proxy groups supported by Iran in the region, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shiite militias in Iraq, and the Houthis in Yemen. These proxies compel Israel to defend multiple fronts, enervating its ability to counter Iran’s nuclear and military ambitions directly. The situation worsened notably after the October 2023 Gaza war, where Iran reportedly helped Hamas plan a surprise large-scale attack on Israel, exacerbating hostilities further. This led to a broad campaign of violence and disinformation, with Iran accusing Israel and the U.S. of war crimes and supporting proxy militias militarily[1][2].
[1] The Guardian. (2023, October 12). Israel and Hamas agree temporary truce in Gaza conflict.[2] BBC News. (2023, October 12). Israel-Gaza: The week that changed everything.[3] Al Jazeera. (2025, June 10). Israel escalates attacks on Iran as nuclear talks falter.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft budget regarding the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, as war-and-conflicts continue to dominate general-news headlines. Politicians around the world are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns increasing as Israel bombards Tehran, and Iran calls for the evacuation of Tel Aviv.
