Israel allegedly targeted by Iranian hypersonic missiles; Trump calls for unconditional surrender
Headline: CITY SKIES LIGHT UP AS IRAN-ISRAEL TENSIONS SPILL OVER
Israel's air defenses are put to the test as Iranian missiles rain down on Tel Aviv in the early hours of June 18, 2025.
What's the beef?
In a heated exchange, Iran fired hypersonic missiles at Israel in the latest round of violence between the archrivals. This shot across the bow comes after Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender."
Prairie Dog Wars
Trump insists the U.S. has kept its hands clean in Israel's bombing campaign, but he also hinted at American involvement as he abruptly left the G7 summit, leaving the leaders of wealthy democracies clamoring for a ceasefire. Back in Washington, Trump took a tough stance, threatening Iran with the possibility of assassinating their supreme leader, saying he knows exactly where he is hiding.
Iranian Response
Iran hit back by telling residents of Tel Aviv to prepare for an attack, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming their hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles were constantly shaking the shelters in the commercial hub. Iran also launched a swarm of drones towards Israel, where the army intercepted two of them over the Dead Sea area.
Quick Duck and Cover
With the conflict entering its sixth day, evictions became a grim reality for residents of both countries. Area 18 in Tehran and the Piroozi, Sabalan, and Sayyad neighborhoods reported explosions. In response, Iranians sought refuge in underground shelters of shopping malls, while Tel Aviv residents relocated to below-ground parking lots.
Nuclear showdown
Decades of animosity and a shadow war brought Israel's surprise air campaign, aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which Iran denies. The conflict, however, has derailed ongoing nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, with Iran stating they will not negotiate with the U.S. while under attack.
According to the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, explosions in the central Iranian city of Isfahan hit nuclear facilities, while Israeli strikes on Iran have reportedly caused heavy casualties, forcing more than 700 foreigners to flee Iran for neighboring countries.
Collateral Damage
Since the start of the conflict, at least 46 people have been killed in Israel, and hundreds have been injured. Iran won't confirm an official death toll since its initial report of 224 deaths, but reports suggest that number may have increased significantly. As the region braces for the unpredictable, world powers urge a diplomatic solution to avoid a Devastating war.
- The politics surrounding war-and-conflicts, such as the ongoing Iran-Israel tensions, often have significant ramifications for general news, as the latest round of violence between Iran and Israel demonstrates.
- The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, particularly the use of hypersonic missiles and drones by both parties, not only highlights war-and-conflicts but also raises concerns about potential collateral damage, with at least 46 casualties reported in Israel and unconfirmed increased deaths in Iran.
