By International Desk | June 16, 2025

Tel Aviv/Tehran— On the fourth day of intense military confrontation between Israel and Iran, both nations have broadened their offensive and defensive operations, raising fears of wider regional destabilization in the Middle East.

Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) launched a second wave of long-range missile strikes targeting alleged Iranian Quds Force infrastructure in western Iran early Monday morning. At the same time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for drone strikes against military installations in northern Israel and U.S.-linked facilities in Erbil, Iraq.

➤ Escalation Beyond Traditional Frontlines

While earlier clashes were largely confined to proxies in Syria and southern Lebanon, the latest developments mark a significant escalation. Israeli airstrikes have now targeted locations deep inside Iranian territory, while Tehran’s response has expanded beyond its western borders.

Iranian state television confirmed that multiple air defense batteries intercepted incoming missiles in Isfahan and Kermanshah provinces. However, unverified social media footage and satellite images suggest that a fuel depot and radar site were destroyed near Kermanshah.

Meanwhile, Israel reported that more than 20 drones and several short-range missiles were launched from western Iraq and southern Syria into northern Israel. The IDF confirmed interceptions over the Galilee but also acknowledged "moderate damage" to a military logistics site near Safed.

➤ Civilian Impact and Global Concern

While both governments have maintained that their military actions are strategic, civilian tolls are rising. Iranian outlets report at least 17 civilian casualties from Israeli strikes. In Israel, emergency medical services reported 11 injuries from falling debris after missile intercepts.

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency closed-door session late Sunday night but has yet to release a joint statement. U.S. Secretary of State Lisa Graham called the conflict "deeply concerning" and urged both nations to “immediately de-escalate to avoid a broader war that would engulf the region.”

➤ Cyber, Oil, and the Global Ripple Effect

Cyberattacks have now entered the fray. Israeli tech ministry officials say they thwarted a “massive coordinated” cyberattack on its electrical grid, allegedly originating from Iranian-linked servers. Iran has made similar claims of Israeli malware attacks on telecom and aviation systems.

In global markets, crude oil prices surged past $102 per barrel on Monday, the highest in over a year, as traders braced for possible disruptions to Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes—a key route for global oil supplies.

➤ Diplomatic Channels Stalling

Backchannel talks brokered by Oman and France have reportedly collapsed. According to a European diplomat speaking under condition of anonymity, "Neither Tehran nor Jerusalem is showing willingness to halt retaliatory measures."

The Biden administration has reiterated that U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria remain on high alert. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed that Patriot batteries in the region were activated over the weekend to intercept possible threats.

🧠 Expert Analysis

“This is no longer a proxy war. It is now a direct state-to-state confrontation,” says Lina Khoury, a regional security analyst at the Carnegie Middle East Center. “And neither side seems ready to blink.”

đź”» Key Developments:

  • Israel: Expanded strikes into central Iran; drone interceptions in northern region.

  • Iran: Launched retaliatory strikes on Israeli and U.S.-linked positions.

  • Cyber Warfare: Both sides accuse each other of launching infrastructure attacks.

  • Markets: Oil surges to $102/barrel amid supply chain fears.

  • Diplomacy: UN and EU attempts at ceasefire stall; U.S. urges de-escalation.

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