International News: The war between Iran and Israel that erupted on June 13 plunged West Asia into chaos in just under two weeks. It began with Israel’s “Operation Lion Rising,” which was swiftly countered by Iran’s “Operation True Promise 3.” The conflict rapidly escalated, causing heavy military and civilian casualties on both sides and shaking the strategic balance in the region.
The Heavy Toll of War
Iran bore the brunt of the damage. According to multiple reports, 657 to 800 people lost their lives, including approximately 200 to 365 military personnel. On the Israeli side, 24 to 30 people were reported dead, although specific data regarding military deaths has not yet been officially released.
In terms of injuries, Iran saw 2,500 to 3,500 wounded, while more than 800 people were injured in Israel. Hospitals across both nations are overwhelmed, with medical facilities struggling to treat the injured.
Decimation of Iran’s Military and Nuclear Leadership
A major objective of Israel’s offensive was to cripple Iran’s military command and nuclear capabilities. Nineteen senior IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) officials were killed in the strikes, including the heads of Iran’s army, navy, and air force. Additionally, ten prominent nuclear scientists lost their lives, delivering a substantial blow to Iran’s atomic program.
Key nuclear sites at Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan sustained severe damage due to targeted Israeli airstrikes. In response, Iran retaliated by completely destroying Israel’s Arak Heavy Water Reactor and the Tehran Research Center.
Iranian Missiles Rain Down on Israeli Cities
Iran’s counterattack was swift and powerful. Major urban centers in Israel, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beer Sheva, were hit by missile salvos. Critical infrastructure such as the Mossad Headquarters, IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) Command Center, Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, and Soroka Medical Center were badly damaged. Furthermore, strategic sites like the Haifa Port, naval base, and oil refinery were also impacted, causing widespread alarm.
America’s Late Involvement and Diplomatic Losses
The United States formally entered the conflict in its final 24 hours. Although it did not suffer direct military casualties, its international reputation took a hit. Critics pointed to America’s delayed response and diminishing influence in the Middle East. The war exposed the waning trust of Arab nations in U.S. leadership and raised questions about its commitment to regional stability.
Iran’s Message to the U.S. After Trump’s Move
U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention escalated matters further. In a bold move, Iran launched missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar. The strike was widely interpreted as a direct warning to Washington. Following the retaliation, a wave of nationalist pride swept across Iran, signaling the country’s readiness for a broader confrontation with the U.S.
In just 12 days, the Iran-Israel war inflicted massive military and civilian losses. While a ceasefire may have temporarily halted the violence, any future violations could spark a far more destructive phase, with potentially global consequences.
