In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Iran has reportedly fired advanced Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles at Israeli targets and declared “complete control over the skies of the occupied territories” (referring to Israel). This comes amid a six-day period of intensified exchanges between the two nations, which began with Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities on June 13, 2025.
Key Developments:
- Hypersonic Missile Strikes: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the use of Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles in what they termed the “11th wave of the proud Operation Honest Promise 3.” These missiles are designed to travel at more than five times the speed of sound and maneuver mid-flight, making them exceptionally difficult to intercept by advanced missile defense systems like Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow.
- Claim of Airspace Control: The IRGC’s declaration of “complete control over the skies of the occupied territories” signifies a bold assertion of dominance in the regional airspace, though Israel has not confirmed this claim.
- Targets in Israel: Reports indicate that Iranian missiles have struck various locations in Israel, including central Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, which is a significant scientific and military research hub. Some reports suggest that the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv may have been hit.
- Israeli Response: Israel has continued its own strikes on Iranian targets, including weapons manufacturing sites, centrifuge production facilities, and key military bases. They claim to have inflicted significant damage and killed senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.
- Humanitarian Impact: Residential areas in both countries have suffered deadly strikes, leading to civilian casualties and a scramble by foreign governments to evacuate their citizens. Airports across the Middle East have closed or severely reduced operations, stranding thousands of travelers.
- International Reaction: The international community, including the United Nations, has expressed deep concern and urged de-escalation and restraint. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on June 13, 2025, following the initial Israeli strikes, with delegates emphasizing the need for diplomacy to prevent a wider conflagration.
- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that Israeli strikes impacted underground infrastructure at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site and criticized attacks on nuclear facilities.
- The US has emphasized its non-involvement in Israel’s military strikes but warned Iran against attacking US assets.
- China and Russia have condemned Israel’s attacks.
- European leaders have called for de-escalation while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
The conflict marks a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between Iran and Israel, raising fears of a broader regional war.
