Iran-Israel War : Unprecedented Escalation and Strategic Gains at Stake
By
Yassine Atoui
19 June 2025
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Iran launched its largest missile salvo since the beginning of the war with Israel.
According to Israeli media, at least 25 missiles directly struck multiple areas, causing massive destruction, particularly in Tel Aviv, Holon, Ramat Gan, and Beer Sheva. The preliminary toll reports 65 injuries, several of which are critical. Videos posted online show rescue teams searching through still-smoking ruins, looking for survivors.
Hospital Hit, Neighborhoods Destroyed, and Israeli Retaliation
Among the targets was the Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva, which treats wounded soldiers from Gaza. The hospital was directly hit, causing a partial collapse of the building. Some patients are believed to be trapped under the rubble.
The Israeli stock exchange in Ramat Gan was also targeted. According to emergency services, calls have been received from various sites across central and southern Israel.
In response, the Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes overnight targeting strategic sites in Iran, including the Arak reactor and the Natanz facility, both considered essential to Iran’s nuclear program.
The operation reportedly involved 40 fighter jets. Ballistic missile production facilities, storage centers, and air defense systems were also targeted, according to the Israeli military.
A War of Costs and Symbols
Israel estimates that the war could cost its economy up to $28 billion. More than 2,000 families are currently homeless. Iran, for its part, claims to have successfully carried out a 14th wave of attacks, asserting it used a Khorramshahr missile with a warhead weighing over a ton.
Calls for restraint are growing. China has evacuated 1,600 of its nationals from Iran, along with several hundred Israelis, urging for de-escalation. Washington, however, remains on the sidelines. President Trump has stated no decision has been made, preferring to act “at the last moment.” This uncertainty fuels fears of a broader conflict.
Tensions Nearing the Point of No Return
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz have vowed to “make Iran pay” and “neutralize its ballistic and nuclear capabilities.” Iran, in turn, has warned against any U.S. involvement, threatening to trigger a regional response with Hezbollah entering the fray.
As the conflict enters its seventh day, casualties are mounting: 224 dead and 1,277 injured on the Iranian side, and 24 dead and nearly 2,000 injured on the Israeli side. Crossfire strikes are now targeting vital centers in both countries.
The Future of the Middle East Once Again Hangs in the Balance Amid Bombs and Pressure from Global Powers.
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Iran launched its largest missile salvo since the beginning of the war with Israel. According to Israeli media, at least 25 missiles directly struck multiple areas, causing massive destruction, particularly in Tel Aviv, Holon, Ramat Gan, and Beer Sheva. The...
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