Israel-Iran War: 12 Days of Destruction That Shook the Middle East

Israel began Operation Lion Rising on June 13 with the goal of destroying Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities. Iran responded in a matter of hours with Operation True Promise 3, launching a volley of ballistic and hypersonic missiles that transformed important Israeli cities into battlefields.

Casualties and Damage: A War Without Winners

Over 12 days, both nations suffered immense losses:

CountryDeathsMilitary DeathsInjured
Iran657–800200–365 (19 IRGC top officials)2,500–3,500
Israel24–30Data not released804

Iran lost 10 nuclear scientists, and several nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan were heavily damaged. On the other hand, Iran’s missile campaign devastated Israeli infrastructure.

Strategic Targets Hit

Iran struck at the very core of Israel’s security and economy. Damaged or destroyed in the attacks were:

  • Mossad Headquarters
  • IDF (Israel Defense Forces) Headquarters
  • Tel Aviv Stock Exchange
  • Soroka Medical Center
  • Haifa Port
  • Naval Base and Oil Refineries in Haifa

U.S. Enters the Battlefield—But at What Cost?

In the last 24 hours, the United States launched a military intervention. The real harm occurred on the diplomatic front, even though no significant U.S. military losses were reported. America’s influence in the Arab world was further undermined by the war, which also damaged its reputation.

Iran’s daring missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar demonstrated Tehran’s willingness to take on Washington head-on. Iran’s morale was raised by the action, which made it apparent that they were prepared for direct conflict.

If Ceasefire Breaks, What’s Next?

This war showed just a glimpse of what a full-scale Iran-Israel conflict could look like. Experts warn: if the current ceasefire collapses, Phase 2 could be catastrophically destructive, not just regionally, but globally.

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Author

  • 🖋️ Journalist | Storyteller | Researcher | Geopolitics Analyst

    From newsroom chaos to the calm of a blinking cursor, Kunal Verma has spent over five years navigating the ever-evolving world of journalism. With bylines across Bharat 24, Republic World, Jagran, and more, he’s told stories that matter—be it boardroom battles in the business world, high-stakes foreign affairs, or ground reports that hit home. When he’s not chasing headlines, Kunal can be found crafting tweets with too many drafts or sipping strong coffee.

    🗣️ Fluent in Hindi & English
    🔗 Follow him on Twitter: @thekunalverma

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