The Israel-Iran conflict, now in its fifth day as of June 18, 2025, has escalated dramatically, with both nations exchanging devastating missile strikes, raising fears of a wider West Asia war. The conflict began on June 13 with Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile sites, and military leadership, killing key figures like Major General Mohammad Bagheri. Iran retaliated with over 100 ballistic missiles on Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing 18 and damaging infrastructure, including a Haifa Bay oil refinery.

Israel’s strikes have severely damaged Iran’s nuclear programme, with the International Atomic Energy Agency confirming significant destruction at Natanz’s uranium enrichment plant. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the attacks have delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions, though he suggested more targets remain. Iran, maintaining its nuclear programme is peaceful, launched drones and missiles that penetrated Israel’s Iron Dome, killing 224 in Iran, per Tehran’s health ministry.

US President Donald Trump has heightened tensions with provocative posts on Truth Social. On June 17, he wrote: “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.” In another post, he targeted Iran’s Supreme Leader: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump demanded Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER,” raising questions about US involvement, though the White House denies direct participation.

Global leaders call for de-escalation. The EU convened an emergency meeting, and Turkey offered mediation. Oil prices, up 7% initially, stabilised as the Strait of Hormuz remained open. Civilians suffer, with Israeli strikes hitting Iranian hospitals and Iranian missiles destroying Israeli homes. Trump, cutting short a G7 summit, urged Iran to negotiate, warning of dire consequences. With both sides unrelenting, diplomatic efforts are critical to prevent a regional catastrophe.