Image Credentials: Image Title: Escalation Deepens: Israeli Strikes Hit Tehran as Global Powers React Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: June 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Staff Writer with Agencies
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM — The conflict between Israel and Iran reached new levels of intensity on Monday, June 16, as Israeli forces conducted multiple airstrikes on Tehran, including direct hits on Iran’s state television headquarters and military positions in the city’s northeast and western districts. The Israeli military issued civilian evacuation warnings shortly before renewed bombardments, marking a dramatic escalation in urban warfare.
According to Israeli spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee, the targeted strikes aimed to destroy military infrastructure used by the Iranian regime. A message broadcast on Telegram in Persian urged residents to evacuate District 3 in northeast Tehran, where “critical military infrastructure” was located.
Air raid sirens and missile defense activations were reported throughout Tehran. Iranian state media confirmed explosions near Bagheri and Chitgar, mountainous areas west of the capital. No immediate casualty figures were released for Monday’s attacks, though the Iranian Health Ministry reported a total of 224 dead and 1,257 injured since the outbreak of hostilities last Friday.
Death Toll Mounts, Accusations of Civilian Casualties
Tehran has accused Israel of causing the deaths of 45 women and children during the airstrikes. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani condemned the attacks as “a crime against humanity,” demanding international accountability. The Iranian counterattack, which included a fresh barrage of missiles targeting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, reportedly killed 24 Israelis and injured dozens more.
Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions have sharply deteriorated in Gaza, where Israeli operations continue. Aid group Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called on the European Union to pressure Israel to scale back its military campaign, citing a deadly strike on civilians waiting for humanitarian aid, which allegedly killed 20 people.
Global Reactions: Russia, Europe, and G7 Respond
In Moscow, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov defended Iran’s response, calling it an exercise of its “legitimate right to self-defense” against Israeli aggression. Russia also offered to mediate between the two countries while engaging in simultaneous discussions with both Washington and Tehran.
In a sharp shift, several European nations, led by France, expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself. President Emmanuel Macron said France could take part in “defensive operations” should Iran escalate further. The UK and Germany also declared military readiness, with British fighter aircraft en route to the region and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirming Berlin’s stance against a nuclear-armed Iran.
The G7 Summit in Canada, now dominated by the Israel-Iran crisis, is expected to issue a joint statement condemning further nuclear escalation and urging restraint. However, political consensus remains fragile.
Netanyahu Declares ‘Control Over Tehran’s Skies’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed in a national address that Israel is “on the path to victory” and now “controls the skies over Tehran.” He emphasized Israel’s objectives: the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capability and the elimination of its missile threat.
“We have warned civilians and minimized collateral damage. Our fight is with the regime, not the people of Iran,” Netanyahu stated. Yet, Tehran’s accusations of civilian casualties continue to fuel international outrage.
Airlines Halt Flights, Borders Close, Exodus Begins
The Israeli national airline announced an extension of flight suspensions until June 23, citing security risks. Civilian flights in Iran remain grounded, with airports closed until further notice.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has shut down five border crossings with Iran, citing escalating instability. Though commercial trade is still permitted, civilian movement has been halted, according to regional authorities in Balochistan.
Reports from Turkey indicate a growing number of Iranians are fleeing across the border, as fears of prolonged conflict grow.
Portugal and Others Scramble to Evacuate Nationals
Governments worldwide are rushing to evacuate their citizens. Portugal has confirmed that five nationals were evacuated from Iran, while 130 Portuguese citizens in Israel have requested repatriation. A coordinated air and ground evacuation is currently underway, Lisbon confirmed.
As the fourth day of open warfare continues, the Middle East remains on edge. With nuclear tensions looming and global powers staking claims, the Israel-Iran conflict risks becoming a broader, more dangerous confrontation.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.