Israel pounds Iran’s atomic sites, Tehran strikes Israeli cities as war escalates

In a dangerous escalation of their growing conflict, Israel and Iran exchanged heavy strikes June 18 night, targeting critical infrastructure and civilian zones on both sides. The Israeli military announced precision strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites — including the heavily-guarded Khondab heavy-water facility near Arak, formerly known as the Arak reactor, and a suspected nuclear weapons development site near Natanz.

According to Iranian media reports, the Arak facility, long central to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, was among the high-profile targets. Simultaneously, Tehran retaliated by launching a barrage of missiles into Israel, with one directly hitting a medical facility and damaging adjacent apartment buildings. Emergency responders described the attack as a "direct hit," though no immediate casualties were reported.

The death toll from Israel’s sustained air campaign has surged, with AP reporting that Israeli strikes have killed senior Iranian generals, nuclear scientists, and at least 639 individuals in Iran — including 263 civilians. Over 1,300 have been injured. Iran’s response has been equally fierce, firing around 400 missiles and launching hundreds of drones into Israel, killing at least 24 people and leaving hundreds wounded.

The conflict’s international ramifications widened as China swiftly evacuated over 1,600 nationals from Iran and hundreds from Israel, while urging immediate de-escalation. “We are maintaining active communication with all parties, including Iran, Israel and Oman, and call for urgent restraint,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.

Meanwhile, diplomatic tension soared as US President Donald Trump left the world guessing on potential American military involvement. “I may do it. I may not do it. Nobody knows what I’m going to do,” Trump said, while suggesting Iranian officials had sought dialogue but added, “It’s a little late.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to keep dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure “step by step,” expressing gratitude for Trump’s support.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei defiantly rejected any prospect of surrender, warning Washington that “any US military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.” Echoing that warning, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi declared that “all necessary options” remain on the table if Washington intervenes directly.

The rapidly spiraling conflict has prompted growing global concern over the potential for a wider regional war, with embassies, including Austria’s mission in Tel Aviv, narrowly escaping damage as missiles rained down.