Outlook Business Desk
On June 21, Israel struck missile and nuclear sites in Isfahan and Qom, killing a 16‑year‑old boy and injuring others. Iran responded with five ballistic missiles, triggering air-raid sirens across central and southern Israel.
Since the conflict began on June 13, around 639 people have been killed in Iran, including military commanders and scientists. In Israel, 24 civilians have died from Iranian missile strikes
Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, used drones ahead of the June 13 airstrikes to disable Iran’s radar and missile systems. This helped Israeli jets enter safely and strike key military and nuclear sites hidden underground.
Iran launched over 400 missiles and more than 100 drones at Israel, killing over 40 people and injuring more than 200 in cities like Tel Aviv and Be’er Sheva. Hospitals, including Soroka Medical Center, were damaged, raising fears of a growing humanitarian crisis.
On June 20, Israel accused Iran of firing at least one missile armed with cluster munitions into a populated area—scattering dozens of bomblets over an 8 km zone, including the town of Azor. The UN raised alarms, calling it a potential war crime due to the banned weapon’s indiscriminate impact and threat to civilians
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered major airstrikes on Iran in June 2025, acting under domestic pressure to display military strength and influence Iran’s stance ahead of possible nuclear negotiations.
US President Donald Trump, now in his second term, has stayed out of direct fighting between Israel and Iran. While American warships and jets moved near the Gulf, Trump is holding back—saying the US will only act if Iran targets its bases.
Iran also warned it may block the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea route between Iran and Oman through which nearly 20% of global oil passes. The threat caused oil prices to spike and raised fears of supply chain disruptions worldwide.
The conflict enters its second week with no ceasefire. Iran won’t join nuclear talks until airstrikes stop. Israel vows to continue targeting military sites. Diplomatic efforts remain stalled.