Israel launches attacks on Tehran's ministries and police sectors
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The Middle East has been engulfed in an unprecedented escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, as both nations wage aggression against each other's institutions and territories.
Airstrikes on Tehran: A Direct Assault on Iranian State Institutions
In the heart of Tehran, central institutions and agencies, including the Oil Ministry and the Police Headquarters, have been targeted by Israel's airstrikes. Witnesses report heavy traffic and congestion on the streets as many citizens attempt to flee the city. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, claims a research institute affiliated with his ministry was also struck by Israeli aerial attacks. He alleges Israel carried out a "deliberate and ruthless" attack on a building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran, injuring several civilians.
Observe the consequences of escalating tensions here
A Tale of Two Powers: The Conflict Unfolds
- Collateral Damage: Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, reported at least five lives lost after an Israeli attack on a residential building in Tehran's city center. An AFP journalist at the scene described the area as being shaken by at least two powerful explosions that sent thick smoke billowing over the neighborhood.
- Military Targets: Initial reports suggested Israeli attacks against the Iranian Defense Ministry headquarters, a state atomic research organization, a defense ministry command, and an oil depot in Tehran, causing water supply disruptions in some neighborhoods. Footage from the daily newspaper "Haft-e Sobh" showed a flooded street with cars adrift on their roofs.
Missile Barrages and Casualties: Iran's Response to Israel's Attacks
In retaliation for Israel's attacks, Iran launched a rocket offensive against Israeli territory. On June 16, central and northern Israel faced sirens and explosions in downtown Tel Aviv. Seven people were injured in the north, according to Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency service. Videos captured severely damaged buildings and several burning vehicles. The Israeli TV channel n12 reported hits near Haifa and in Lachish, southwest of Jerusalem. The Israeli army acknowledged strikes in several parts of the country, dispatching search and rescue teams to affected areas after the latest Iranian barrage.
A Dangerous Game of Brinkmanship
The conflict, now in its fourth day, marks one of the most direct and severe confrontations between the two states in recent history. Israel claims "total" aerial supremacy over Tehran and has decimated key Iranian military infrastructure and propaganda systems, while Iran has retaliated with sustained missile barrages against Israeli population centers. The risk of further escalation remains high, with both nations continuing their offensive operations. The United States has not officially participated in Israel's strikes, though former President Donald Trump hinted at possible future involvement.
Learn about the background of the conflict
Sources: ntv.de, mdi/dpa/AFP/rts, Axios, Reuters, CNN, Al Jazeera, BBC News
- Iran
- Middle East Conflict
- Israel
- Tel Aviv
- Tehran
- War and Conflict
Enrichment Data:
Offensive Operations and Escalation:
- Iran’s Response to Israel’s Assassination of Key Leaders: In response to the Israeli assassination of top Iranian officials and scientists, Iran announced it was stepping up the production of advanced centrifuges to speed up its nuclear program.
- Further Threats: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Hossein Salami warned that Israel would face “within weeks” safety challenges that it had not previously experienced.
- United States Involvement: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at possible U.S. involvement in the conflict, saying the U.S. "would have something to say" if Iran attacked Israel. However, President Biden has repeatedly stated that military intervention is not an option for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue.
Understanding Israel's Perspective:
- Israel’s Concerns over Iranian Nuclear Program: Israel fears the development of a nuclear weapon by Iran and views it as a grave threat to its security. Israel has long urged the international community to take a firm stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions.
- Historic Tensions: Israel and Iran have a long history of animosity, dating back to the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and the establishment of Iran's support for anti-Israeli groups. Tensions have escalated in recent years due to Israel's concerns over Iran's nuclear program and its growing influence in the Middle East.
The Latest Developments:
- June 20, 2025: Sirens sounded across Israel as Iran launched another salvo of rockets from Gaza. Explosions were heard in Ashkelon and a building near the port in Eilat sustained a direct hit, according to Israeli media reports.
- June 21, 2025: Iranian state television reported that Israeli warplanes had conducted airstrikes on a military site near the city of Qom. The Israeli army confirmed carrying out attacks on several targets in Iran, including Iranian-linked militia infrastructure, munitions facilities, and missile launch sites.
- June 22, 2025: Both Israel and Iran reported dead and injured following the latest round of attacks. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the Israeli air campaign a "crime against humanity" and vowed to exact a heavy price. In response, Israeli officials stated that Iran would "be eliminated" if it continues its aggression.
- June 23, 2025: The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict. Despites calls for restraint and de-escalation from various international leaders, the tensions continued to escalate. Now more than ever, it is crucial to stay informed and follow the latest updates.
Read more about the enrichment data
- The European Union, committed to the development of a common foreign and security policy, is closely monitoring the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, considering the escalating war-and-conflicts and the potential political implications for the region's general-news.
- As the conflict between these two nations continues to unfold, with Iran retaliating against Israel's attacks with missile barrages and Israel responding with airstrikes on key Iranian institutions, the politics of the region are being significantly impacted, making it essential for international organizations, such as the EU, to stay updated on the latest developments.
