Tehran June 18 2025 — Tensions in the Middle East escalated further today as Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian targets resulting in a series of loud explosions heard throughout Tehran and several other regions. The attack marks a significant escalation in the already volatile conflict between the two longtime adversaries.
Explosions Reported Across Tehran
Residents of Tehran awoke early this morning to the sound of multiple explosions that shook the city. Eyewitnesses reported loud booms around 345 AM local time followed by emergency sirens and military activity. Initial videos circulated on social media appeared to show flashes of light in the night sky with unconfirmed images of smoke rising from suspected impact zones.
Local authorities have yet to issue a detailed public statement about the extent of the damage but preliminary reports suggest strikes near military installations and suspected nuclear development facilities on the outskirts of the capital. Emergency services were seen responding to multiple locations and traffic was restricted in some parts of northern Tehran.
Israeli Military Confirms Operation
The Israeli Defense Forces IDF confirmed that they had carried out “precision strikes on strategic military infrastructure” inside Iran claiming the operation was in direct response to recent Iranian drone attacks on Israeli soil. A statement released by the IDF emphasized that the targets were chosen to minimize civilian casualties and focused on “Iranian Revolutionary Guard facilities responsible for planning regional attacks”
Israeli Prime Minister Eli Cohen addressed the nation shortly after the operation stating
“We will not tolerate direct threats to Israeli security. This operation sends a clear message to Tehran aggression will be met with decisive force”
The prime minister reiterated that Israel seeks no war with the Iranian people but will defend itself vigorously against “the malign influence and hostile actions” of the Iranian regime
Iranian Government Condemns Attack
In response Irans Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli strikes as “an act of war and a blatant violation of international law” The statement warned that Israel would face “severe consequences” and that Iran reserves the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing
Major General Hossein Salami commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC vowed retaliation calling the Israeli attack “a desperate act of aggression” He declared
“Our enemies will regret this action. We will respond swiftly and powerfully to this provocation”
Staterun news agencies in Iran also accused Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure though this claim could not be independently verified .
Also read:Evacuate the City Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Demands From Israelis
International Reaction and Rising Tensions
Global leaders responded with alarm. The United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres urged both sides to exercise restraint and called for an emergency session of the Security Council
US President Kamala Harris whose administration has tried to deescalate tensions in the region condemned the ongoing violence while stopping short of directly criticizing either side
“We urge all parties to step back from the brink. A fullscale war between Israel and Iran would be catastrophic for the region and the world”
European Union leaders echoed similar sentiments pushing for immediate diplomatic dialogue. Meanwhile oil prices spiked in early trading reflecting investor fears that the conflict could spread to the wider Gulf region
Background A Pattern of Escalation
The latest attack follows months of rising hostilities including cyberattacks proxy conflicts in Syria and Lebanon and titfortat drone strikes. Both nations have engaged in covert operations and intelligence warfare for years but direct strikes on capital cities mark a dangerous new phase
This is the second time in recent months that Israeli forces have targeted Iranian territory directly and analysts warn that both sides may now find it harder to avoid fullscale confrontation
Outlook What Comes Next
As night falls over Tehran uncertainty hangs in the air. Will Iran retaliate militarily or will global diplomatic pressure force both countries back to the negotiating table
For now the region braces for what could come next — a retaliatory strike further escalation or a lastminute diplomatic intervention
Whatever the outcome today’s events have brought the longsimmering IsraelIran conflict dangerously close to boiling over .