New Delhi: The Iran-Israel conflict entered its fifth day on June 17, 2025, with relentless military exchanges intensifying and civilian casualties mounting. What began as Israel’s preemptive strikes under “Operation Rising Lion” has spiraled into Iran’s retaliatory “Operation True Promise 3,” targeting key military, nuclear, and civilian infrastructure.
Historical Context of the Iran-Israel Conflict
The roots of the Iran-Israel conflict trace back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which transformed Iran into an Islamic Republic with a staunch anti-Israel stance. Prior to 1979, the two nations were allies, but the revolution marked a turning point, with Iran adopting a policy of hostility toward Israel. Key factors fueling the current conflict include:
- Iran’s Nuclear Program: Viewed as an existential threat by Israel, Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been a flashpoint. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) previously reported that Iran enriched uranium to 60%, violating its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Failed attempts by the United States and Western powers to revive a nuclear deal have heightened tensions.
- Proxy Warfare: Iran’s support for groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza has fueled Israel’s concerns, as these groups engage in conflicts against Israel, creating a network of proxy wars.
- Regional Power Struggle: The rivalry between Iran and Israel is part of a broader struggle for dominance in West Asia, with both nations seeking to assert influence over neighboring states.
Current Developments: Day Five of Hostilities
The conflict, now in its fifth day, shows no signs of de-escalation. On Friday, Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. In response, Iran initiated “Operation True Promise 3,” escalating the conflict with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities.
Casualties and Damage
- Iran: According to Iran’s Health Ministry, at least 224 people, predominantly civilians, have been killed since the conflict began, with many deaths linked to Israeli airstrikes on military and infrastructure sites. On Tuesday, Iranian media reported explosions and heavy air defense activity in Tehran, with smoke visible in the city’s east. Air defenses were also activated in Natanz, home to major nuclear facilities, approximately 320 km from the capital.
- Israel: The death toll in Israel has reached 24, with over 300 injured. Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted civilian areas in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Petah Tikva, killing at least eight Israelis and injuring dozens. Air raid sirens wailed in Tel Aviv after midnight on Tuesday, though no missile strikes were reported.
Military Actions
- Israel’s Offensive: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed significant tactical gains, destroying approximately 120 of Iran’s missile launchers—about one-third of its stockpile. Israeli jets struck over 100 military targets in Isfahan, central Iran, on Sunday evening, destroying 20 surface-to-surface missiles before launch. On Monday, Israeli forces intercepted weapons shipments, including trucks carrying surface-to-air missile launchers headed toward Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the Israeli Air Force had achieved “complete operational freedom” over Iranian airspace, targeting key Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force command centers.
- Iran’s Retaliation: Iran launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks on Sunday night and Monday, targeting civilian areas in Israel. Iranian media reported heavy air defense fire in Tehran following suspected Israeli strikes. Israel also targeted Iran’s state broadcaster, forcing a presenter to flee mid-broadcast, with debris falling in the studio.
Nuclear Concerns
The IAEA’s Rafael Grossi confirmed that Iran’s Fordow fuel enrichment plant and Khondab heavy water reactor site sustained no damage despite Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. However, Iranian parliamentarians are reportedly drafting legislation that could lead to Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT, a move that would escalate global tensions significantly.
Regional and Global Implications
The Iran-Israel conflict has far-reaching consequences for West Asia and beyond, impacting regional stability, global trade, energy security, and international connectivity.
- Regional Instability: The conflict risks spilling over into Lebanon and Gaza, where Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and Hamas are active. A broader regional war could destabilize the entire region.
- Global Trade Disruption: Shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea are under threat, affecting global supply chains. India, which imports the majority of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, faces significant energy security risks.
- Connectivity Challenges: The conflict may force ships and airplanes to take longer routes, impacting projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). India’s operation of Chabahar port in Iran could also be compromised.
- India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act: India faces the challenge of maintaining diplomatic relations with both Israel and Iran while ensuring the safety of its citizens in the region.
India’s Response to the Crisis
On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued a fresh advisory urging Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to leave Tehran immediately due to escalating Israeli strikes. The advisory stated, “All Indian Nationals and PIOs who can move out of Tehran using their own resources are advised to move to a safe location outside the city.” Unregistered Indians were urged to contact the embassy urgently, with emergency helpline numbers provided: +98 9010144557, +98 9128109115, and +98 9128109109.
India has initiated the evacuation of its citizens, with the first batch of 110 nationals crossing into Armenia on Monday night. Over 10,000 Indian students remain stranded in Iran, and Tehran has suggested they exit via land borders to Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, or Afghanistan due to the closure of Iranian airspace. With over 270 missiles fired, India is prioritizing the safe relocation of its citizens amid the deepening crisis.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
The international community is grappling with the conflict’s potential to destabilize West Asia. Key developments include:
- G7 Summit in Canada: G7 leaders, meeting in Kananaskis, issued a joint statement urging a “de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza,” but stopped short of calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The statement reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense and labeled Iran a “source of terror” that must not possess nuclear weapons. US President Donald Trump left the summit early, citing “big stuff” in Washington, triggering speculation about potential US involvement in the conflict. Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, denied US forces would join Israel’s offensive but confirmed the deployment of additional Pentagon capabilities to the region.
- Trump’s Social Media Statements: Trump posted on Truth Social, urging Iranians to “immediately evacuate Tehran” and emphasizing that “Iran can not have a nuclear weapon.” He criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for suggesting he was working on a ceasefire, writing, “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire.”
- Diplomatic Stalemate: Iran has refused to negotiate under active attack, and Russia’s offer to mediate has been ignored by both sides. Iran has asked Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to persuade Trump to push Netanyahu for a ceasefire, signaling potential flexibility in nuclear talks if hostilities cease.
- G7 Divisions: Earlier disagreements surfaced, with Trump reportedly planning to reject the G7 statement on the conflict. However, a compromise was reached, preserving G7 unity but diluting the statement’s impact.
Additional Summit Outcomes
Despite the focus on the Middle East, the G7 summit saw progress on trade. Trump signed a UK-US trade deal removing some barriers, stating the UK was “very well protected” from future import taxes. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated a potential Canada-US trade deal within 30 days to resolve tit-for-tat import taxes.
Conclusion
The Iran-Israel conflict, now in its fifth day on June 17, 2025, remains a volatile crisis with no immediate resolution in sight. With civilian casualties rising, nuclear tensions escalating, and regional stability at risk, the international community faces a critical challenge in preventing a broader war. India’s evacuation efforts, G7 diplomatic compromises, and Trump’s unpredictable actions underscore the complexity of the situation. As the world watches, the stakes for peace in West Asia have never been higher.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What triggered the current escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict?
The conflict escalated on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a series of preemptive strikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. Iran retaliate with “Operation True Promise 3,” involving missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Petah Tikva. The escalation stems from long-standing tensions, including Iran’s nuclear program, its support for proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and the historical shift in relations after the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
2.What are the reported casualties and damages in the conflict?
As of June 17, 2025, Iran’s Health Ministry reports 224 deaths, mostly civilians, due to Israeli airstrikes on military and infrastructure sites. In Israel, 24 people have been killed, and over 300 injured, with Iranian attacks targeting civilian areas. Israel claims to have destroyed 120 of Iran’s missile launchers (one-third of its stockpile) and struck 100 military targets in Isfahan. Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran and air defense activity in Natanz, though no damage to key nuclear sites like Fordow and Khondab was confirmed.
3.How is the international community responding to the crisis?
The G7 summit in Canada issued a statement on June 16, 2025, urging de-escalation in the Middle East but stopped short of calling for an Iran-Israel ceasefire. The statement supported Israel’s right to self-defense and labeled Iran a source of regional instability. US President Donald Trump left the summit early, citing Middle East developments, and posted on Truth Social urging Iranians to evacuate Tehran. Russia offered to mediate, but neither side has accepted. Iran has sought intervention from Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to push for a ceasefire.
4.What are the implications of the conflict for global trade and energy security?
The conflict threatens shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, critical for global trade. India, which imports most of its crude oil via the Strait of Hormuz, faces energy security risks. Longer shipping and air routes could disrupt connectivity projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). India’s operation of Chabahar port in Iran may also be compromised.
5.How is India addressing the safety of its citizens in Iran?
On June 17, 2025, the Indian Embassy in Tehran issued an advisory urging Indian nationals and Persons of Indian Origin to leave Tehran immediately due to Israeli strikes. Emergency helpline numbers (+98 9010144557, +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109) were provided for unregistered citizens. India evacuated 110 nationals to Armenia on June 16-17, 2025, and is working to secure the safe exit of over 10,000 Indian students, with Iran suggesting land border crossings to Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, or Afghanistan due to airspace closure.
