Israel and Iran Exchange Intense Airstrikes as Conflict Escalates – June 2025

 ### 📍 Date & Location:

**June 21, 2025 — Middle East**

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### 📰 Summary:

The ongoing Israel–Iran conflict has escalated sharply, with both nations exchanging missile and drone strikes over the past nine days. According to Israeli reports, they have killed several senior Iranian commanders and significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear progress, though at least **430 Iranians and 25 Israelis have been killed so far** :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

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### 🔎 Full Story:

The military exchanges intensified after Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military targets, including key facilities near Tehran and Arak. Iran retaliated with missile salvos targeting central and northern Israel. Despite being hit, no casualties have been reported in Israel during this latest exchange :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Diplomatic alert is high – the UN, US, Turkey, and France are urging a ceasefire to prevent further escalation. In Tehran, government forces imposed internet restrictions, citing national security :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

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### 🌍 Global Impact:

- **Oil markets are jittery**: Brent crude initially spiked over 10%, later stabilizing around **$77 /barrel**, amid fears over Middle East supply disruptions :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.  

- **Stock market reaction**: European and Asian indices dropped amid rising risk sentiment; defense and energy stocks are seeing gains.  

- **Back-channel diplomacy**: While France backs U.S. calls for Iran to halt enrichment, Iran continues nuclear discussions with European ministers in Geneva :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.