Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates with Direct US Military Intervention

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – June 23, 2025 – The long-simmering tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated dramatically into direct military confrontation, with the United States now directly engaged in the conflict. This weekend saw a significant shift, as the U.S. launched unprecedented strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting immediate and forceful retaliation from Tehran.

On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the United States, acting in what it described as “full coordination” with Israel, conducted airstrikes targeting three key Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the operations “very successful,” though the full extent of the damage to these deeply buried and fortified facilities remains under assessment by international bodies. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that the sites were hit and noted extensive additional damage at the Isfahan complex, which had already seen multiple Israeli strikes since June 13. The IAEA stated that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported.

Iran swiftly condemned the U.S. actions as a violation of its sovereignty and a direct entry into the conflict, vowing severe retaliation. On Monday, June 23, 2025, Iran’s military announced it had launched dozens of explosive drones toward Israel. Simultaneously, both nations continued to exchange missile and drone attacks. Iranian projectiles reportedly struck various locations in Israel, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, Safed, and areas south of Jerusalem, causing damage and casualties. In response, Israel carried out further air raids on military targets across western, eastern, and central Iran, including airports and military installations, and also targeted Tehran and the nearby city of Karaj. Notably, reports indicate Israel struck government sites in Tehran, including the notorious Evin Prison.

The escalation has drawn widespread international concern. The UN Security Council convened an emergency session, with Secretary-General António Guterres urging maximum restraint and warning that the region stands “on the brink of a deadly downward spiral.” European diplomats are engaged in discussions with Iranian officials in Geneva, seeking to de-escalate the crisis. The United Arab Emirates has also undertaken extensive diplomatic outreach to numerous countries, emphasizing the need for dialogue and a comprehensive solution to protect the region from further conflict.

Casualties continue to mount on both sides. Iranian authorities reported over 400 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and more than 3,000 injured in Israeli attacks since June 13. Conversely, Israeli authorities have confirmed at least 24 deaths in Iran’s strikes.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza, already dire, has been exacerbated by the wider conflict. The UN children’s agency UNICEF reported a nearly 50% increase in admissions for acute malnutrition among children aged six months to five years in May compared to April, and a 150% increase from February. Fuel instability and shortages continue to severely restrict humanitarian operations, hindering aid delivery to a population facing severe food and water insecurity.

Adding to regional instability, Iranian officials have reiterated threats to target U.S. military bases in the Middle East and have discussed the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint. While India, a major oil importer, has indicated diversification of its oil sources, a closure of the Strait would have significant global economic repercussions. Iran’s parliament has reportedly approved the proposal for closure, with a final decision pending from the Supreme National Security Council.

The unfolding events underscore the perilous trajectory of the Israel-Iran conflict, with the direct involvement of the United States significantly raising the stakes and increasing the risk of a broader regional conflagration. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but the immediate future remains highly uncertain.