On June 20, 2025, Iran launched a coordinated missile barrage targeting Israeli military sites and strategic infrastructure across several regions, in a sharp escalation of the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict. The strikes, comprising around 20 ballistic missiles, resulted in injuries and property damage, while intensifying global diplomatic tension.
Iran’s Offensive: Scope and Targets
Iranian forces deployed a combination of long-range and ultra-heavy ballistic missiles, along with drone strikes, aimed at Israeli military command centers, airbases, and missile-production facilities.
Iranian media reported successful activation of surface-to-air defenses around their sensitive installations, including Bushehr nuclear plant.
The missile salvo struck multiple locations across Israel, with significant impacts in Be’er Sheva, Haifa, and Tel Aviv, as well as air defense nodes in the Negev and northern regions.
Human Toll and Immediate Impact
According to Israeli emergency services, two people were lightly injured in Be’er Sheva during the initial strike, taken to nearby hospitals. In Haifa, at least 19–24 people were wounded, with three sustaining serious injuries.
Local hospitals reported that several civilians were rushed for treatment, with sirens and air‑raid protocols triggered nationwide. In Haifa, 21 people suffered shrapnel wounds, three critically, while Be’er Sheva saw four injuries from nearby residential impacts .
Images from devastated areas show damaged vehicles and buildings, shattered windows, as residents were evacuated to shelters.
Israeli Counterstrike and Air Defense
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) mounted a swift counteroperation. Air defense batteries were activated across multiple zones to intercept incoming missiles. In turn, Israel launched retaliatory strikes on Iran’s missile production sites, air defense batteries, and research labs located in Tehran, Kermanshah, and Tabriz.
Meanwhile, reports confirm Israeli air raids damaged a five-story building in Tehran, injuring a few—bringing Iran’s reaction into sharp focus.
Diplomatic Fallout and International Response
Global reaction has been swift:
- The United Nations nuclear watchdog, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, warned that “attacks on nuclear facilities… could result in radioactive releases with great consequences.”
- European diplomats held emergency talks in Geneva, urging continued dialogue amid the military clashes.
- Germany, the UK, and Switzerland have partially evacuated embassy staff from Tehran, citing security concerns.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the conflict risks.
What’s Next: Possible Escalations
Israel’s Prime Minister and Defense Minister have vowed intensified military responses, emphasizing strategic objectives to degrade Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. The White House is also evaluating potential American involvement, with President Trump expected to make a decision on U.S. engagement within two weeks.