Operation Rising Lion: Israel vs Iran War 2025 (As of June 18, 2025, 09:30)
Click here to jump to the Background on Iran/Israel relations and conflict
Key Operational Updates:
• Ballistic missiles launched by Iran: around 400 since the operation began
• UAVs launched by Iran: 100s (most intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace)
• Identified impact sites in Israel: at least 40
Casualties in Israel
• 24 people killed
• 804+ injured, broken down as:
o 8 in serious condition
o 41 moderate
o 755 minor injuries
• 3,800 individuals evacuated from high-risk areas
Civil & Economic Damage in Israel
• 18,766 insurance claims filed, including:
o 15,861 for structural damage
o 1,272 for vehicles
o 1,633 for contents and other property
(Giving an indication of the broader and long term impact of the missiles)
Impact on Iran
• While exact figures are scarce, independent analysts note significant damage to Iran’s missile sites, air defenses, and nuclear facilities, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan
• Iran’s retaliatory capacity has been degraded, with Israel reportedly destroying over 120 missile launchers although this has not been felt by the Israeli public
• Strategic effects: Israeli air supremacy over Tehran has been achieved, enabling 24/7 precision strikes with minimal resistance.
• Official Iranian figures: At least 224 killed, with over 1,277–1,481 wounded, as reported by the Iranian Health Ministry. Other independent reports suggest the genuine figure could be up to 408 total killed, including 199 civilians, 92 military, and 117 unidentified.
Notable Iranian Figures Killed in Airstrikes
Israel has reportedly eliminated a significant portion of Iran’s military and nuclear leadership:
1. Hossein Salami – Commander-in-Chief of IRGC
2. Mohammad Bagheri – Chief of Staff, Iran Armed Forces
3. Gholamali Rashid – Commander, Khatam al-Anbiya HQ
4. Amir Ali Hajizadeh – Head of IRGC Aerospace Force
5. Davoud Shaykhian – IRGC Air Defense Commander
6. Taher Pour – IRGC Drone Unit Commander
7. Mohammad Kazemi – IRGC Intelligence Chief (+ deputy Hassan Mohaqeq)
8. Fereydoon Abbasi – Former AEOI head
9. Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi – Physics professor
10. Abdul Hamid Minouchehr – University nuclear faculty dean
11. Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari – Nuclear engineering professor
12. Additional scientists (6–14 total) per Tehran & regional media
Analysis Summary
1. Deep degradation of Iran’s deterrent: Over 400 missiles and hundreds of UAVs expended with unclear impact on Israel—but heavy Iranian losses (UAVs, missiles, launch sites) have significantly weakened their strike posture.
2. Crisis in the civil sphere: While Israeli air defences absorbed many impacts, casualties and evacuation disruption have been significant.
3. Escalation risks: Israel now has air supremacy over Tehran, enabling persistently probing attacks. Whilst this continues to damage Iran’s attack capability, there is a risk that this could spark broader regional backlash.
4. Diplomatic window narrowing: With U.S. and European intelligence acknowledging damage yet pushing restraint, diplomatic efforts are ongoing but fragile.
5. Hezbollah The Israel/Gaza war
Interesting articles for further reading:
• Israel-Iran latest: air war continues as Trump demands Tehran's surrender (thetimes.co.uk
➢ In-depth coverage of the sixth day of polarised airstrikes, AI analysis of Iranian casualties, missile types, and U.S. responses.
• Iran's supreme leader Khamenei warns Israel 'the battle begins' (nypost.com)
➢ Focuses on Iran's rhetorical escalation with threats of “historic surprises” and Israeli evacuation measures.
• Israeli strikes have not knocked out Iran's nuclear programme (theguardian.com)
➢ Expert insight into how Israeli strikes may delay but not dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the potential for proliferation acceleration.
• U.N. Atomic Agency Says Natanz Underground Halls Hit by Israeli Strike (wsj.com)
➢ IAEA-confirmed report on damage to Natanz’s underground centrifuge halls, including authoritative analysis from Institute for Science and International Security.
• Israel strikes Iran: Centrifuge site hit, 50 jets involved (wsj.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
➢ Military breakdown of a multi-aircraft strike targeting centrifuge production in Tehran, including strategic implications for Iran’s nuclear drive.
• Trump Wavers on Joining War, Boosting Risks With Iran (barrons.com)
➢ Examination of U.S. domestic and foreign-policy divisions amid mixed messaging and market turbulence.
• Israel-Iran latest: UK sends military support as defensive missiles 'run low' (nypost.com, thetimes.co.uk)
➢ Explains the UK’s deployment, shortages in Israeli missile interceptors, and evacuated civilians.
• Trump demands Iran's 'unconditional surrender' (theguardian.com)
➢ Live updates on battlefield developments, evacuation efforts, and international diplomatic reactions—including Trump’s statements.
Arieh Miller
