Overview

A sharp escalation in the Iran–Israel conflict unfolded on 19 June 2025, with Iran firing missile and drone strikes into Israel—including a direct hit on a major hospital—while Israel retaliated with strikes on nuclear infrastructure in Iran.

Iranian Strike: Soroka Medical Center Hit

• An Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, southern Israel.
• Israeli authorities described the hospital as "extensively damaged", with parts evacuated prior to the strike to minimize casualties.
• Israeli emergency services reported at least 16–40 wounded, mostly minor injuries; two serious cases were noted in some reports.

Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the strike as a deliberate attack on civilians, pledging to "extract a full price" from those responsible.

Broader Iran Missile Offensive

• Iran launched a broader missile and drone barrage, firing around 400 projectiles at Israel, with several dozen penetrating the air-defense shield.
• Civilian casualties in Israel stand at approximately 24–28 killed and hundreds injured, as per Israeli military and emergency services.

Israel's Retaliation: Nuclear Site Strikes

• Israel launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, specifically targeting the Arak heavy-water reactor southwest of Tehran.
• According to Iranian state television, the reactor was evacuated prior, and the strike posed "no radiation danger whatsoever".
• Israel also struck additional sites linked to uranium enrichment in Natanz, the Fordow facility, military command centers and nuclear-scientist residences.

Casualties & Strategic Context

• In Iran, the strikes reportedly killed 224–639 individuals, including military personnel, nuclear scientists, and civilians.
• Israel stated it had degraded IRGC leadership and nuclear capabilities, with top generals among those killed.
• Both nations launched hundreds of missiles and drones, raising serious concerns of a regional war.

Air Defence & Civil Impact

• Israel's multi-tier missile defence intercepted many incoming Iranian missiles, though some successfully struck urban targets.
• In Iran, civilians fled Tehran amid repeated airstrike warnings; many sought shelter underground or in the outskirts.

International & Diplomatic Reactions

• U.S. President Donald Trump signaled consideration of potential U.S. involvement, though no definitive action has been taken.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called for restraint and confirmed Iran had lost some monitoring oversight.
• European and UN officials, including G7 members and Russia, urged de-escalation and diplomacy.

What Comes Next

• Potential for further escalation remains high as both sides continue direct strikes and exchange rhetoric.
• IAEA and UN monitoring may be impacted due to the IAEA's limited verification in Iran.
• Diplomatic efforts through Europe and the U.S. aim to prevent wider regional involvement and resume nuclear diplomacy.

Key Verified Facts

1. Iranian missile damaged Soroka Medical Center on 19 June 2025; Israeli reports indicate extensive damage and multiple injuries.
2. Iran launched a significant missile & drone offensive against Israel, with ~400 launched, dozens penetrating.
3. Israel struck Arak heavy water reactor and nuclear sites (Natanz, Fordow) in Iran; Iran affirms no radiation risk.
4. Casualty estimates: 24–28 Israelis killed, hundreds wounded; 224–639 Iranians killed, including civilians and military.