Tehran/Jerusalem – The war between Israel and Iran has now entered its second week, marked by intensified airstrikes, missile barrages, covert operations, and growing global alarm. Since June 13, under the codename Operation Rising Lion, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), backed by Mossad sabotage efforts, have carried out deep strikes against over 100 targets across Iran—including nuclear, military, intelligence, and missile infrastructure—resulting in at least 639 deaths and over 1,300 injuries, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Iran responded with a sustained wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli military, intelligence, and civilian areas. In the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, a Sejjil ballistic missile hit on June 19, causing extensive damage and injuring at least 50–80 people. Officials described the attack as a possible war crime due to its impact on a hospital. Nationwide in Israel, there have been 24 deaths and 271 injuries, as Iran has continued launching fresh strikes, including in Beersheba and Tel Aviv.
Israeli air defences are reportedly struggling; interception rates have dropped to about 65%, down from 90%, due to more advanced Iranian missiles, shortening warning times to about six minutes. In response, Israeli Defence Minister Katz has ordered intensified attacks targeting Iran’s facilities, including surface-to-surface missile sites and IRGC command structures, and leadership figures—some top Iranian military and intelligence officials have already been eliminated.
Amid rising military pressure, covert Mossad drone sabotage has emerged as a key tactic. Agents reportedly assembled explosive UAVs inside Iran to disable missile launchers and air defences ahead of the air campaign—marking a new hybrid warfare approach.
Diplomacy and international reactions are unfolding rapidly. Iran’s foreign minister travelled to Geneva for nascent negotiations with EU powers, though Tehran insists no talks will occur unless Israel halts its strikes. French President Macron affirmed that European mediators are offering to resume nuclear and ballistic talks. The U.S., led by President Trump, has not ruled out military involvement; Trump says he’ll decide “within two weeks” and remains open to a diplomatic solution.
Globally, Russia warned forcibly that any attempt to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader could “open Pandora’s box,” and called for restraint. China urged both parties to end hostilities to prevent a broader war. Nations like Australia have begun evacuating embassy staff from Tehran.
At home, Iran’s population remains under a severe crackdown, showing little unrest amid communications blackouts and displacement. In Israel, resilience is high despite rising casualties. Both sides now face near-daily missile exchanges, and the conflict shows no sign of slowing.
The conflict threatens to spiral beyond regional borders if either side targets leadership or regional proxies like Hezbollah or Hamas. International diplomacy is proceeding cautiously alongside military escalations. A pivotal decision point looms in the coming days—whether the U.S. will intervene and whether Iran will temporarily pause to engage in diplomacy. For now, Israel’s campaign continues to progressively degrade Iran’s military capabilities, while Iran maintains regular retaliatory strikes and a firm stance of “no dialogue while strikes continue.”