Conflict Escalates: Israel Broadens Tehran Airstrikes
Israel’s air campaign on Tehran, now in its fifth day, has widened significantly. On Monday night (June 16, 2025), U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ominous message on social media:
“IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”
The announcement came just before Trump abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada. Though speculation swirled about urgent ceasefire negotiations, Trump denied this, cryptically stating:
“Much bigger than that.”
Massive Strikes in Iran’s Capital
The Israeli military reported it has achieved full aerial superiority over Tehran. Key developments include:
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330,000 residents ordered to evacuate a central district housing:
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State television HQ
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Police command center
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Three hospitals
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Over 120 Iranian missile launchers destroyed
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Two F-14 fighter jets shot down
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Ten Quds Force command centers hit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran’s nuclear program has been set back a “very, very long time.”
Growing Death Toll and Destruction
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In Iran:
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Official death toll: 224
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Human Rights Activists estimate: 400+, including 197 civilians
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1,277 injured, fuel rationing reported
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In Israel:
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Death toll: 24
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Wounded: 500+
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Iran has launched 370+ missiles and hundreds of drones in retaliation
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Trump’s Role and Nuclear Fears
Trump has aligned firmly with Israel, emphasizing:
“Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.”
He joined G7 leaders in a joint statement calling for:
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Prevention of Iranian nuclear armament
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De-escalation in the Middle East
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Ceasefire in Gaza
However, experts warn the situation is moving closer to direct war, with concerns about strikes on Fordo, Iran’s heavily fortified uranium enrichment facility. To destroy it, Israel may require the U.S.-owned GBU-57 bunker-busting bomb, deliverable only by a B-2 stealth bomber — an asset Israel lacks.
Diplomatic Pleas from Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted a message aimed at the White House:
“If Trump is genuine about diplomacy… it takes one phone call to muzzle someone like Netanyahu.”
This follows the collapse of recent backchannel U.S.–Iran talks after Israel’s surprise first strike. Araghchi has signaled Iran would halt its retaliation if Israel stops its airstrikes.
What’s Next?
With both sides escalating and Trump issuing evacuation warnings, analysts say the region faces a critical tipping point:
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Will the U.S. restrain Israel?
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Could Iran’s underground facilities trigger even greater U.S. involvement?
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Is a ceasefire remotely possible?
For now, Tehran remains under siege, and global anxiety over a full-scale Middle East war grows by the hour.
