A 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13, 2025, triggered by Israeli air strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The exchange of missiles that followed resulted in hundreds of casualties and significant displacement, culminating in a fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States on June 24.
The Conflict Unfolds
The intense hostilities began when Israel launched extensive air strikes across Iran on June 13, 2025. More than 200 Israeli fighter jets reportedly targeted over 100 nuclear and military facilities, as well as some residential areas. These initial strikes resulted in the deaths of key Iranian nuclear scientists and military commanders.
Iran responded to the Israeli strikes by launching hundreds of ballistic missiles towards cities in Israel. Over the subsequent days, both nations continued to exchange missile fire, leading to increasing casualties and damage on both sides.
The United States became directly involved in the military clash on June 22, conducting bunker-buster strikes on Iran’s Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. The conflict saw a pause with a ceasefire brokered by the US on June 24. This agreement came just hours after Iran had fired missiles at a US airbase located in Qatar.
Human Impact and Displacement
According to Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the conflict resulted in thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths. As of June 24, official figures indicated 4,746 people injured, including 185 women, and 610 people killed, among them 49 women and 13 children. The youngest fatality was a two-month-old infant.
The strikes also affected healthcare infrastructure and personnel. Figures reported included 20 injured healthcare workers, 5 killed healthcare workers, 9 damaged ambulances, 7 damaged hospitals, 4 damaged health units, and 6 damaged emergency bases.
Interactive graphic detailing human casualties and injuries in Iran from the June 2025 conflict with Israel, as of June 24
Amidst the bombardment, large numbers of Iranians attempted to leave major cities, particularly Tehran, seeking safety in northern provinces near the Caspian Sea. Nearly nine million people reportedly departed major urban centers by car. One individual, identified as Zein (name changed for safety), described a 16-hour journey in heavy traffic from Tehran to Kelardasht due to safety concerns near military zones. Zein recounted the fear and uncertainty of leaving home without knowing if it would still be there, highlighting the lack of official support for those trying to reach safety. This experience was a first for many younger Iranians, unlike their parents who lived through the Iran-Iraq war.
Map illustrating internal displacement of Iranian populations during the June 2025 conflict, showing movement from major cities
In Israel, the Ministry of Health reported 3,238 people injured or hospitalized and 28 people killed as of June 24.
Iranian missiles and drones that bypassed Israeli interceptors caused damage mainly in residential areas of Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Many residents in affected Israeli cities sought refuge in bomb shelters and designated safe rooms within their homes throughout the 12 days of conflict, moving to public shelters during alerts.
People seek shelter in an underground parking garage in Tel Aviv, Israel, during missile threats amidst the June 2025 conflict
Military Actions and Assessments
Estimates on the scale of the strikes varied. Al Jazeera’s Sanad fact-checking agency reported at least 145 air strikes by Israel and the US on Iran. However, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project tabulated a potentially higher number, listing at least 508 air strikes by Israeli forces on Iran.
Regarding Iran’s retaliation, ACLED recorded at least 120 attacks by Iran on Israel, including launches of ballistic missiles and drones. Many of these were intercepted, in part with US assistance. Iran primarily targeted areas in and around Tel Aviv, with notable impacts including a strike on the Soroka Medical Center that injured dozens. Other targets included the Israeli Military Intelligence School, the Ministry of Interior in Haifa, the Weizmann Institute of Science, an oil refinery, and power plants. The Israeli military stated that Iran launched up to 1,000 ballistic missiles and drones, claiming approximately 90 percent were intercepted.
The 12-day conflict marked a significant escalation between Israel and Iran. While a ceasefire has been brokered, the clashes resulted in considerable human suffering and damage on both sides, highlighting the volatility of tensions in the region. For a deeper understanding of the strategic significance of the region, explore related analyses on locations like the Strait of Hormuz.
