The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with both countries exchanging attacks and rhetoric. Iran has launched a missile attack on central Israel, resulting in a fire in Holon, while Israel has targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites. The situation on the ground is dire, with reports indicating significant damage and loss of life.
The head of Iran’s emergency organization, Jafar Miadfar, reports that Israeli attacks have damaged and destroyed relief and emergency centers, injuring 14 members of the emergency organization. According to Iranian state-run Nour News, at least 430 civilians have been killed and 3,500 wounded in Iran since Israel launched its attack on June 13. The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports a higher death toll, stating that Israeli air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, including military personnel and nuclear scientists.
In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed in Iranian missile attacks. The humanitarian situation is worsening, with many civilians caught in the crossfire. Western nationals are evacuating from both Iran and Israel, with two dozen Italians arriving in Azerbaijan after fleeing Iran.
The conflict is also taking a toll on the economies of both countries. Ahmed Helal, MENA director of Global Counsel, notes that Iran’s sanctions-hit economy is particularly vulnerable, with inflation running at 40% and a significant portion of the population living in poverty. “The Israeli strikes are intending to worsen the economic crisis,” Helal said. “They are targeting economic infrastructure, energy infrastructure. That’s obviously a signal that they are after more than just the nuclear facilities in Iran, but also after regime change.”
In contrast, Helal believes Israel’s economy can withstand the conflict, citing its diversified and tech-driven nature. However, he acknowledges that Israel is “bleeding” due to rising debt and defence expenditure.
The United Nations is urging peace efforts to prevail in the Middle East. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said, “This region has already endured more than its share of war, loss, and displacement – we cannot allow another refugee crisis to take root. The time to de-escalate is right now.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called on Muslim countries to unite in support of Iran against Israel, stating that Israel is leading the region towards “total disaster.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that US involvement in the conflict would be “very dangerous for everybody.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned of the danger of “radiological and chemical contamination” inside Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility following Israeli attacks. However, there is currently no change to radioactivity outside the site.
US President Donald Trump has publicly rebuked his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, saying she was wrong to state there was no evidence Iran is building a nuclear weapon. Trump’s stance on the conflict remains unclear, with some speculating he may push for a diplomatic solution while others fear he may escalate US involvement.