Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates, With U.S. Strikes and Ceasefire Hopes Emerging
A major regional conflict erupted on June 13 when Israel launched a surprise military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, igniting a wave of retaliatory strikes and prompting U.S. involvement. The confrontation, the most direct to date between the longtime adversaries, has left hundreds dead and escalated fears of a wider Middle East war.
The Israeli offensive, known as Operation Rising Lion, killed several senior Iranian figures, including Major Gen. Hossein Salami and nuclear scientist Fereydoon Abbasi-Davani. Strikes hit strategic locations near Tehran, Natanz, and Isfahan. Israel said the goal was to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities and neutralize key command centers.
Iran responded hours later by launching more than 150 ballistic missiles and over 100 drones toward Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa.
In the following days, Israeli airstrikes continued, hitting military targets and infrastructure across Iran. Iranian authorities reported hundreds killed, with significant damage to energy grids, prisons, and defense facilities. Air raid sirens in cities such as Shiraz and Qom became a near-daily occurrence.
On June 21, the United States directly joined the conflict. In Operation Midnight Hammer, U.S. B-2 bombers and submarine-launched missiles struck three underground Iranian nuclear facilities. U.S. officials called the strikes “decisive” and aimed at preventing further nuclear advancement. Iran acknowledged the bombings but claimed the damage was minimal.
Iran escalated again on June 23, firing missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Qatar’s defense systems intercepted the attack, and no injuries were reported. The strike prompted a global security alert and a spike in oil prices before markets began to stabilize.
Efforts to de-escalate gained momentum late June 23, when President Donald Trump announced a phased ceasefire brokered by Qatar. The proposal called for an end to Israeli airstrikes and a halt to Iranian missile launches within 24 hours. Trump spoke with the Emir of Qatar that day and told him the United States had secured Israeli agreement to a ceasefire, which, after discussions, Iran accepted, sources said. Israel agreed to the ceasefire on the condition that Iran stop its strikes, a White House official said.
At least 950 people in Iran and more than two dozen in Israel have been killed since June 13. Global air travel disruptions and oil market volatility continue, as observers warn the ceasefire may only provide a temporary pause in a conflict far from resolved.
Luis Apolo Staff Reporter teen/1751271026/1613367592
1. What was the name of Israel’s attack plan?
2. Who were two important people killed in Iran?
3. How did Iran answer Israel’s attack?
4. Where did Iran send missiles on June 23?
1. What would you do if your city was attacked?
2. Why do you think countries go to war?
3. Do you think a peace plan can stop a war?
4. Would you feel safe during a war?
A major regional conflict erupted on June 13 when Israel launched a surprise military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, igniting a wave of retaliatory strikes and prompting U.S. involvement. The confrontation, the most direct to date between the longtime adversaries, has left hundreds dead and escalated fears of a wider Middle East war.
On June 21, the United States directly joined the conflict. In Operation Midnight Hammer, U.S. B-2 bombers and submarine-launched missiles struck three underground Iranian nuclear facilities. U.S. officials called the strikes “decisive” and aimed at preventing further nuclear advancement. Iran acknowledged the bombings but claimed the damage was minimal.
