Since June 13, Israel and Iran have locked in a fresh and intense exchange of air and missile strikes, marking one of the most significant escalations in the region. In the past 48 hours, Israel has conducted over 50 combat sorties targeting suspected nuclear research facilities and high-value military sites across Iran. In turn, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched more than 30 ballistic and cruise missiles, alongside 20 armed drones directed at strategic bases in southern Israel.
Open-source monitoring groups report that the scale of these strikes surpasses any similar confrontation in the Middle East since 2006. Satellite imagery shows significant damage at key research complexes near the city of Isfahan, with repair teams already mobilizing to assess the destruction.
Expert Take
Middle East security analyst Sarah Johnson from the Global Security Institute explains that this tit-for-tat dynamic risks drawing in neighboring states or global powers backing each side. Both Israel and Iran are showcasing long-range precision capabilities, making any miscalculation potentially catastrophic.
Regional Response
Gulf states have called for immediate de-escalation, while the European Union has urged both parties to seek diplomatic solutions. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet later today to discuss possible paths to a ceasefire.
What’s Next?
With no ceasefire in sight, attention is turning to behind-the-scenes negotiations in Europe. Young global citizens and business innovators following the conflict online should watch for live updates as international efforts to broker peace intensify.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
