Introduction
Since mid-June 2025, the Middle East has witnessed a dramatic escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel—with missile barrages, air campaigns, international diplomacy, and a fragile ceasefire engineered by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
This blog covers:
- How the conflict started
- Iran’s missile strikes on Israel
- U.S.–Israel joint airstrikes on Iran
- Trump’s ceasefire effort
- The current situation
- What might happen next
1. Why the War Started
In late May and early June 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites. The goal was to disable Iran’s uranium enrichment infrastructure and halt weapons development.
At the same time, the United States supported Israel with precision airstrikes on Iranian facilities. Officials claimed the strikes significantly weakened Iran’s nuclear program. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the mission a success, declaring it eliminated “two existential threats.”
2. Iran’s Missile and Drone Response
On June 13, Iran responded with a massive counterattack, firing:
- Over 150 ballistic missiles
- More than 100 drones
Targets included Israeli military bases and cities.
Notable Outcomes:
- 22 injuries reported in Israel, affecting both civilians and military personnel
- Soroka Hospital in Beersheba was hit, causing physical damage and a chemical leak
- Iron Dome intercepted many threats, but several missiles penetrated Israeli air defenses
This marked Iran’s largest direct strike on Israeli territory in decades.
3. US–Israel Follow‑up Strikes in Iran
On June 22–23, the United States and Israel conducted coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. While former President Trump claimed the facilities were “obliterated,” defense analysts later confirmed that the program was only delayed by 3–6 months.
In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at:
- Al‑Udeid Air Base in Qatar
- Kurdish bases in Iraq
Although most were intercepted, one missile reportedly reached its target, though no casualties were reported.
4. Trump Brokers Ceasefire — “12‑Day War” Ends?
On June 23, Donald Trump announced a ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel. His statement claimed:
- Iran would halt missile attacks after a specific time window
- Israel would cease operations shortly after Iranian compliance
Trump referred to the conflict as the “12‑Day War” and described his ceasefire as a “huge victory.”
Ceasefire Challenges:
Just hours before the ceasefire took effect:
- Iran fired missiles at Beersheba, killing four Israeli citizens
- Israel retaliated with limited airstrikes, including targets near Tehran
- Trump publicly criticized both nations for not respecting the agreement
5. Key Players & Stakeholders
- Israel: Aimed to neutralize threats from Iran and then pivot focus back to Gaza
- Iran: Demonstrated its regional reach through direct and proxy strikes
- United States: Played a dual role — supporting military strikes and leading diplomacy
- Donald Trump: Took the spotlight in negotiations, earning mixed reactions
- European Powers: Initiated nuclear talks with Iran around June 20, attempting to revive diplomatic channels
6. Regional Domino Effects
- Oil Prices and Global Markets
- Initial fears of war pushed oil prices up.
- After the ceasefire, prices dropped, calming global markets.
- Military Escalation Across the Region
- Iran’s missile reach extended to Qatar and Iraq
- Israel resumed operations in Gaza, killing over 20 Palestinians even during the ceasefire
- Diplomatic Channels Open
- Iran resumed nuclear negotiations with European powers
- Discussions focused on uranium enrichment and economic sanctions
- NATO & International Confidence
- Trump attended a NATO summit after the ceasefire
- His actions and statements generated both support and concern among allies
7. Current Situation (as of June 25, 2025)
- The ceasefire is holding, though fragile
- No new missile launches have been reported since June 23
- Both Iran and Israel appear to be regrouping
- Nuclear facilities in Iran remain damaged but repairable
- U.S. and European diplomats continue monitoring the situation
8. What Happens Next?
Will the Ceasefire Hold?
- Iran may still act through proxy groups or cyber operations
- Israel has pledged to respond aggressively if attacked again
Nuclear Negotiations
- Iran is participating in European-led talks
- Success in diplomacy could ease regional tension
Economic and Market Risks
- Global oil markets remain sensitive to conflict in the Persian Gulf
- Future missile strikes or shipping threats could cause economic disruption
Political Impact
- Trump’s role as a negotiator may shape his 2024 campaign
- U.S. allies are watching to see if the ceasefire holds under his influence
Final Thoughts
The Iran–Israel conflict in June 2025 marks one of the most serious escalations in the Middle East in recent years. A brief but intense war involving missiles, drones, and airstrikes has left the region tense, but a ceasefire appears to be holding for now.
What comes next depends on:
- Iran’s willingness to pause its nuclear ambitions
- Israel’s restraint
- Whether diplomacy can succeed where missiles have failed
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