Eelaththu Nilavan | Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv and Tehran — June 13, 2025
The Middle East stands on the edge of an unprecedented regional war after Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israeli territory in retaliation for what Tehran describes as a “massive and illegal” Israeli air strike campaign targeting key Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. The strikes have caused significant destruction in Tel Aviv, including a direct hit on the Israeli Ministry of Defense building.
■.Chronology of Events: From Covert Hits to Open War
The crisis escalated over the past 48 hours following Israeli airstrikes across multiple Iranian provinces, notably targeting Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, where Iran’s nuclear program is centered. These airstrikes—reportedly the largest Israeli aerial operation on Iranian soil since the 1981 Osirak strike on Iraq—resulted in:
The assassination of top Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) figures, including Major General Hossein Salami.
The death of six Iranian nuclear scientists, which Iranian state media labeled a “terrorist declaration of war”.
Damage to at least two uranium enrichment facilities.
■.Iran’s Retaliation: The Largest Missile Attack in Middle East History
In response, Iran launched two waves of over 150 ballistic and cruise missiles toward Israeli territory within the span of a few hours, according to IRGC sources and satellite monitoring data. The first barrage, launched shortly after midnight Tehran time, was followed by a second wave aimed at:
Air bases in southern Israel are suspected of hosting F-35 stealth aircraft.
Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense batteries.
Tel Aviv’s Defense Ministry Headquarters which was struck directly, causing substantial structural damage and multiple casualties.
Israeli sources have confirmed that the Iron Dome system failed to intercept a large number of the incoming missiles, especially those using low-altitude or multiple-warhead designs. Loud explosions and fires were reported across Tel Aviv, Ashdod, and Be’er Sheva.
■.Casualties and Damage: A Heavy Toll on Both Sides
Israel: Initial reports indicate at least 96 people killed, including military personnel, civilians, and emergency responders, with over 370 injured in Tel Aviv alone.
Iran: Iranian diplomatic representatives informed the United Nations Security Council that 78 people were killed, including scientists, soldiers, and civilians, and over 230 were injured due to Israeli strikes on cities like Esfahan and Natanz.
■.Geopolitical and Economic Fallout
The conflict has immediate and global repercussions:
Iran has threatened to shut down the Persian Gulf, potentially cutting off access to the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a third of global oil and LNG trade passes.
The Yemeni Houthi forces, allied with Iran, have declared intentions to block the Red Sea, putting critical maritime trade routes at risk.
As a result, oil prices have surged past $75 per barrel with expectations of further increases. Global markets are reacting with heightened volatility.
Airlines are canceling or rerouting flights across the Gulf and Mediterranean regions.
■.Military Mobilizations and Regional Reactions
Israel has put its full military forces on high alert, recalling thousands of reservists.
Iran has deployed naval forces to the Persian Gulf and put its air defense networks on emergency posture.
Hezbollah in Lebanon has issued a warning that “the next front is ready,” signaling possible involvement if Israeli attacks continue.
The U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain has been placed on alert, though Washington has so far only expressed “concern and commitment to de-escalation.”
Former President Donald Trump, in a call with the Emir of Qatar, reportedly stated the U.S. “is willing to assist in achieving peace,” though official Biden administration statements remain cautious.
■.What’s Happening in Tel Aviv and Tehran Right Now
In Tel Aviv, emergency services are responding to widespread damage. Parts of the city are without power, and government buildings have been evacuated. Schools and businesses are shut down, and shelters are overwhelmed.
In Tehran, despite visible damage to key sites, public morale remains high, fueled by state media celebrating Iran’s “powerful response.” However, there are reports of localized panic, particularly near military installations, with civilians fearing further Israeli strikes.
■.Strategic Implications: Is This a Precursor to Full-Scale War?
Experts warn this is not merely a tit-for-tat exchange but an inflection point that could trigger a regional war involving multiple state and non-state actors. The overt nature of the strikes—state versus state, high-value targets, multiple civilian casualties—marks a departure from the shadow conflict that has dominated Israel-Iran relations for decades.
The failure of missile defenses on both sides suggests the region is more vulnerable than previously assumed. The introduction of cyber operations, long-range missile strikes, and potential naval warfare further complicates the conflict map.
■.Conclusion: The Most Dangerous Moment in the Middle East Since 1973
With both countries suffering major losses and neither showing signs of de-escalation, the Middle East is now facing its gravest crisis since the Yom Kippur War. The international community remains largely reactive, and without immediate diplomatic intervention, a full-scale regional conflict—possibly even involving nuclear facilities—is now a serious possibility.
□ Eelaththu Nilavan □
14/06/2025
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Amizhthu’s editorial stance.
