- Israel and Iran trade missile attacks for a third day, killing at least 91.
- Israel strikes Iranian nuclear and defense sites; Iran targets Israeli cities.
- Donald Trump warns Iran of “unmatched” U.S. military response if provoked.
Israel and Iran’s direct military confrontation has entered its third day, with escalating missile and drone strikes killing dozens and threatening wider regional instability.
Meanwhile, the geopolitical shockwaves have disrupted nuclear diplomacy, as Iran vowed to activate a new enrichment site, drawing condemnation from the UN nuclear watchdog.
Middle East on Edge: Israel-Iran Attacks Disrupt Diplomacy and Spark Global Alarm
The exchange of firepower between Israel and Iran marks an unprecedented shift from proxy conflicts to open confrontation. Iranian missiles breached Israeli defenses and struck residential areas, including the town of Tamra, where search and rescue teams worked through the night to recover civilians trapped under rubble.
Israel’s offensive focused not only on military targets but also on Iran’s nuclear assets, with reports confirming strikes on the controversial SPND project and other nuclear-related facilities in Tehran. This aggressive move is seen as an attempt to halt Iran’s nuclear advancements following Tehran’s threat to escalate enrichment activities.
In the diplomatic arena, the U.S. has maintained a careful distance. Despite Trump’s vocal threats, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that Washington had no role in the initial Israeli strikes. However, the conflict has further stalled ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, already strained by mutual distrust and recent UN censure.
The conflict has also had immediate logistical consequences. With Israeli airports partially suspended and major airlines cancelling international flights, commercial and civilian disruptions are growing. The volatility has also raised global energy concerns, particularly after Israeli airstrikes damaged Iranian oil and gas facilities critical to regional energy flow.
The third consecutive day of hostilities between Israel and Iran signals a dangerous turning point that could spiral into a broader regional war, with global repercussions and fading hopes for diplomatic resolution.
“If we are attacked in any way… the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.”
– Donald Trump, June 2025
