June 2025 Israeli strikes on Iran

On 13 June 2025 at 3:00 am (GMT+3), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck Iran. Codenamed Operation Rising Lion, the Israeli government called the strikes a response to Iran's enrichment of weapon-grade uranium to a level enough for 15 nuclear weapons.

Background

Iran and Israel were friendly until 1979. Since then, they have been enemies. Iranian leaders, including Ali Khamenei and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, have been calling for Israel's destruction. It also arms Islamist groups worldwide, including the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas, which committed the worst massacres of Jews since the end of the Holocaust. 




The strikes happened when the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found that Iran refused to follow its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NNPT).

Events

Israeli strikes

Dozens of Israeli jets bombed military and nuclear sites across Iran, including the enrichment facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. 

  The IDF said that its jets were operating freely over Tehran, targeting Iran's leadership, nuclear sites and key infrastructure. The IAEA claimed that almost all of the 15,000 Natanz centrifuges had been destroyed. By 19 June, one-third of Iran's missile launchers were destroyed ‒ three days before the U.S. bombed Iran's nuclear sites.

Israeli sabotage

Mossad agents targeted Iran's missile and air defense systems before the strikes. Particularly, Mossad commandos put precision-guided weapons near surface-to-air missile systems, enabling them to be bombed accurately. Secret drones had also been smuggled into Tehran, which then struck the Esfajabad missile base to destroy its launchers.

Iranian counterattacks

Iran sent 100 drones to attack Israel, which were intercepted beyond Israel's borders. Iran also fired 100+ missiles at Israel, some landing in Tel Aviv. On 19 June, Iranian missiles hit the Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva, Israel. The attack was condemned by the World Medical Association as a war crime.* 

  Another missile hit a busy business area in Ramat Gan. Some critics called it an "exploitation of Israel's urban defense challenges to terrorize civilians". 

United States intervention


In the early morning of 22 June, seven USAF B-2 bombers conducted the "Operation Midnight Hammer" to bomb the Fordo and Natanz nuclear sites. They dropped 30,000 pounds of bunker busters, followed by two Tomahawk missile strikes on Isfahan's nuclear site, marking the first use of such bombs and the largest B-2 bomber mission in history ‒ involving 125 aircraft when fighter jets and refueling planes are counted in. Trump said that the Iranian nuclear sites had been "completely and totally obliterated". 



  Iran fired missiles at American bases in Qatar on 23 June. 

  On the same night, Israel and Iran reportedly reached a ceasefire. 






Casualties

Israel

By 3:33 am (GMT+3) on 14 June, one woman died from Iranian missile attacks, while 40 were injured. The death toll rose to 3 by 2:30 pm, 

  and to 13 by 12:36 pm on 15 June.

Iran

At least 20 senior Iranian commanders were killed, including Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri, Gholam Ali Rashid, Ali Shamkhani, Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, and Fereydoon Abbasi. On 13 June, Iranian sources alleged that Israel killed 78 and wounded 329. On 18 June, human rights group HRANA claimed 585. On 19 June, Iranian sources changed the death toll to 639, while Iranian missiles hit the Soroka hospital in Israel.

Reactions

Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama backed Trump's bombing of Iran's nuclear sites:

Argentina

President Javier Milei celebrated Trump's bombing as "a great day for Western civilization".

Australia

A government spokesperson said:

Austria

Chancellor Christian Stocker stated:

Belgium

Foreign minister and deputy prime minister Maxime Prévot said:

Czechia

Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated:

Estonia

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said:

European Commission

European Commission's President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized Israel's right of self-defense, calling for diplomacy to prevent escalation.

France

French President Emmanuel Macron backed Israel's right of self-defense, saying that Iran has been repeatedly condemned over its nuclear program. 

Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz backed Israel's "right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens", highlighting Iran's refusal to follow its NNPT obligations. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul condemned the "indiscriminate Iranian attack on Israeli territory in the strongest terms", while DW analysts wrote that Germany was "facing a tough foreign policy test" due to its "historical responsibility to Israel and international law". On 17 June, Merz added that Israel was "doing the world's dirty work in Iran" when the "mullah regime has brought death and destruction to the world".

Israel

Israeli lawmakers generally supported the strikes. Amit Halevy, a Likud lawmaker, compared the Iranian regime to the Nazi regime: 

On 19 June, Defense Minister Israel Katz compared Khamenei to Hitler after Iranian missiles hit Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva. At night, Officials including Katz, Netanyahu, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met Trump government officials led by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while Trump said that he would decide the possibility of US intervention in the war within two weeks. 

Jordan

Jordan activated air sirens as Iranian drones crossed its airspace, while condemning Israel's strikes on Iran.

Latvia

Prime Minister Evika Siliņa said: "Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon ... US addressed this serious threat to international security."

Poland

Poland's defense minister planned to evacuate Polish citizens from Israel.

Qatar

The Qatari government, closely linked to the Hamas, called Israel's strikes "a dangerous escalation".

Saudi Arabia

The Saudis condemned Israel's strikes on what they called "the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran".

Ukraine

The Ukrainian government called Iran's regime "the source of problems". After the U.S. bombed Iran's nuclear sites, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the strikes, citing Iran's aid to Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.

United Arab Emirates

The Emiratis made a similar condemnation to that of the Saudis.

United Kingdom

British sources claimed that British jets were not involved in defending Israel, but that changes could occur as the conflict evovles. The British Prime Minister has been criticized for appeasing the Iranian regime. The critics include former home secretary Suella Braverman and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who declared that "Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons". After the U.S. bombed Iran's nuclear sites, the Prime Minister said:

United States

Two American destroyers have been sent to the region. The US military was helping Israel intercept Iranian missiles.

President

President Donald Trump reportedly called a cabinet meeting. He told Iran to "make a deal or face slaughter", warning Iran of "more brutal attacks". He also told the Axios that "Israel's attack could help me make [a] deal with Iran [...] I gave Iran 60 days, today is day 61". Trump demanded an unconditional surrender from the Iranian regime on 17 June.

Secretary of State 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied US involvement, warning Iran not to target Americans.

Special Envoy to the Middle East

Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said that he wanted further nuclear talks with Iranian officials, who refused to do so. 

Congress members

Senator Lindsey Graham called the Israeli strikes on Iran "one of the most impressive military strikes in Israeli history".

Response
United Nations and international organizations
Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, condemned any military escalation in the Middle East and called for "maximum restraint."At UN, Iran accuses US of being complicit in Israeli strikes Retrieved 15 June 2025 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned that an attack on nuclear facilities is dangerous, called for restraint to prevent a crisis, and convened an emergency Board of Governors meeting.Blasts heard in Israeli cities as missiles evade air defence systems – as it happened Retrieved 15 June 2025

United States
•	The Pentagon / Secretary of State (Marco Rubio) emphasized that the Israeli strikes were "entirely independent" and that the U.S. was not involved. He also warned that Iran should not target American interests.GOP leaders, pro-Israel Dems affirm support for Israel after preemptive strikes on Iran Retrieved 15 June 2025
•	President Trump approved the strikes and had given Iran a 60-day window; however, he stressed that if negotiations did not continue, the threat of "more severe attacks" would remain.Benjamin Netanyahu vows to attack Iran for ‘as long as necessary’ Retrieved 15 June 2025
•	The White House sought to distance itself from the strikes, stating that its priority is the defense of American forces in the region.GOP leaders, pro-Israel Dems affirm support for Israel after preemptive strikes on Iran Retrieved 15 June 2025

Western Europe
•	United Kingdom (Starmer and Lammy): While affirming Israel’s right to self-defense, they called for restraint and a return to diplomacy. It was stated that there were no plans for direct military defense of Israel.Blasts heard in Israeli cities as missiles evade air defence systems – as it happened Retrieved 15 June 2025
•	France (Emmanuel Macron): While supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, he warned that the risk of regional destabilization cannot be ignored. France declared its readiness to defend Israel in case of an Iranian response.Blasts heard in Israeli cities as missiles evade air defence systems – as it happened Retrieved 15 June 2025
Russia and China
•	Russia (Putin): Condemned the Israeli strikes and called for political dialogue. He also emphasized that Russia could play a mediating role, using the situation to highlight Russia’s potential influence in regional developments.Russia’s strong ties with both Israel and Iran could help it emerge as a power broker Retrieved 15 June 2025
•	China: Expressed deep concern, stressed the importance of de-escalation, and voiced support for Iran’s legitimate right to self-defense.China's position Retrieved 15 June 2025

Asian and Regional Countries
•	India: Distanced itself from the joint statement of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) against Israel, expressed concern, and adopted a neutral stance.India's position Retrieved 15 June 2025
•	Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, and Turkey: All called for calm, condemned the strikes, and warned of the risk of the conflict expanding.How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025
Iran
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution: He considered these attacks as a “bloody gesture” and a “declaration of war.” Spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry: While strongly condemning them, he emphasized that these attacks had no purpose other than to sabotage the nuclear talks. Official Iranian media: They reported that hundreds of missiles were being launched at Israel and threatened that attacks on US bases were also on the agenda.Middle East countries call for urgent de-escalation after Israel’s strikes on Iran Retrieved 15 June 2025

NATO
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said it was “crucial” for Israel’s allies to work to de-escalate tensions. “I think it is now crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work, as we speak, to de-escalate. I know that they are doing that and I think that is now the first order of the day,” Rutte told reporters at a news conference in Stockholm.How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025

Iraq/Qatar 
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani condemned Israel’s “military aggression” against Iran, saying that the wave of air strikes violated international law and threatened global security.“The Government of the Republic of Iraq strongly condemns the military aggression launched by the Zionist entity against the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the prime minister’s office said in a statement, referring to Israel. “This act represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security.” Iraq later filed a complaint with the UN Security Council over Israel’s “violation of Iraqi airspace” in its attack on Iran, its foreign ministry said. “These practices constitute a flagrant violation of Iraq’s sovereignty,” the ministry said, calling on “the Security Council to assume its responsibilities” and act to “prevent the recurrence of such violations”.How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025
Qatar said it was deeply concerned over the “dangerous escalation” and called on the international community to “urgently halt these Israeli violations”. “The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli attack targeting the territory of the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran, considering it a flagrant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, and a clear breach of the rules and principles of international law,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025

Hezbollah/Houthis/Hamas
The Lebanese group Hezbollah condemned Israel’s wave of strikes on its backer Iran, warning that they threaten to “ignite the region”.“This enemy adheres to no logic or laws and knows only the language of killing, fire, and destruction,” Hezbollah said in a statement that condemned the strikes as a “brutal” aggression.How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels said Tehran had a “legitimate right to defend itself” following Israel’s strikes. The Houthis said on Telegram that they backed “Iran’s full and legitimate right to … develop its nuclear programme” and that “we strongly condemn the brutal Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran and affirm its full and legitimate right to respond by all possible means”.How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025
The Palestinian group Hamas called Israeli strikes on Iran a “dangerous escalation”. “This aggression constitutes a dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilise the region,” said Hamas in a statement.How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025

Others
Pakistan condemned the “unjustified” attacks. “Strongly condemn unjustified Israeli attacks on Islamic Republic of Iran,” Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar wrote on X. He said Pakistan, which does not recognise Israel, “stands in solidarity with the Government & the people of Iran”.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later warned the Israeli strikes were “a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the entire region and beyond”.How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025 Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the attacks were an “unwelcome development” in the region. “The risk of miscalculation is high. That region does not need any more military action, and risk associated with that,” Luxon said.How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025 “Indonesia strongly condemns Israel’s attack on Iran,” said Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on social media.

“The attack risks exacerbating existing regional tensions and could potentially trigger a broader conflict. All parties must exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any actions that might escalate tensions or cause further instability.”How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025 Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities said the Israeli attacks violated international law and fuelled regional insecurity. The strikes “constitute a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international law, particularly national sovereignty”, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted in a statement on X. “The continuation of such tension-provoking actions has made the situation in the region even more fragile and worrying.” Mujahid said the Taliban authorities, which do not recognise Israel, called for all stakeholders to “address this issue and prevent the spread of further insecurity and instability in the region”.How the world is reacting to Israel attacks on Iran nuclear, military sites Retrieved 15 June 2025

Related pages

 Six-Day War
 Yom Kippur War
 Israel-Hamas war 

Footnotes

References

Category:June 2025 events
Category:2020s in Israel
Category:History of the Middle East