A dramatic escalation in the longstanding tensions between Israel and Iran has unfolded over the past several days, following a surprise Israeli strike on Iranian territory on Friday.
The conflict has since intensified into the most serious direct confrontation between the two regional powers in decades, raising fears of a broader Middle East war.
Key Developments in the Conflict
1. Israeli Surprise Attack on Iran
In the early hours of June 13, Israel launched a massive pre-emptive assault across Iran, striking over 100 high-value targets. These included military installations, missile sites, and nuclear facilities. While the Natanz nuclear enrichment site sustained visible damage, its core fuel enrichment plant reportedly remains intact. A nuclear research facility in Isfahan was also among the key targets.
2. High-Level Iranian Casualties
Among the most significant losses for Iran were top-ranking military figures. The attack reportedly killed Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, and IRGC commander Gen. Hossein Salami. At least six nuclear scientists were also confirmed dead, a move that analysts suggest is aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
3. Ongoing Israeli Strikes
Following the initial bombardment, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued airstrikes throughout the weekend, targeting Tehran’s air defenses and strategic command centers. Israel claims it has achieved air dominance over the Iranian capital and has since hit more than 80 additional targets, including the Iranian defense ministry and key missile launch sites.
The Iranian health ministry reported 224 civilian deaths since Friday, accusing Israel of striking residential neighborhoods. The Iranian oil ministry also confirmed attacks on two fuel depots near Tehran.
4. Iran’s Retaliation
In response, Iran launched multiple waves of missile attacks against Israel. As of Monday, at least 14 people had been killed and nearly 400 injured across Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Bat Yam. A strike in Tamra leveled a three-story building, killing four women. Fires were seen at a power plant in Haifa following overnight bombardments.
5. Warnings to the West
Tehran issued strong warnings to the United States, United Kingdom, and France, threatening to target military bases and naval assets if they interfered with Iran’s retaliation. U.S. officials acknowledged using missile defense systems—including a Navy destroyer—to intercept Iranian projectiles. The UK has repositioned military assets to the region, though Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not committed to direct military involvement.
6. Israel’s Justification
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the operation as a necessary step to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons. Citing intelligence reports, he claimed Tehran has enriched enough uranium to build up to nine nuclear bombs. This coincided with a ruling by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last week, which found Iran in violation of nuclear transparency obligations.
7. Breakdown of Diplomacy
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Israel of targeting civilians and promised “severe punishment.” Prospective ceasefire efforts—mediated by Qatar and Oman—have stalled, as Tehran refuses to negotiate while under attack. Scheduled U.S.–Iran nuclear talks were abruptly canceled.
8. The U.S. Position
While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially stated that the U.S. was not involved in Israel’s decision to strike, President Donald Trump later acknowledged American awareness of the plan. At the G7 summit in Canada, Trump said he is working discreetly on a diplomatic resolution. However, Reuters reported that Trump had recently vetoed an Israeli plan to target Ayatollah Khamenei directly.
Outlook
With no signs of de-escalation, the Israel–Iran conflict threatens to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The stakes are high—not only for the two nations involved but also for global powers with strategic interests in the region. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict spirals into a broader war or is contained through diplomatic channels.
Vietnam Insider will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
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Source: Vietnam Insider