Iran-Israel Conflict: Situation Intensifies Amid Global Calls for Ceasefire

The war between Iran and Israel has entered its second week, with both sides continuing heavy attacks and issuing strong statements. As the violence escalates, global powers are urging an immediate ceasefire, while Iran warns of harsher retaliation if Israeli strikes persist.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that while Iran has always pursued peace, the only solution to the imposed war now is an unconditional halt to Israeli aggression.
He warned: “If Israel does not stop its attacks, Iran will respond even more forcefully.”

Mohsen Rezaei

According to Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran’s Expediency Council, Iran launched:

• 400 missiles and 600 drones as part of Operation “Wa’ad-e-Sadeq 3”.

• Claimed results: 50 Israelis killed, 2,000+ injured.

Rezaei added:

“We have used less than 30% of our actual military capability and under 5% of our hidden power. No one imagined that Iran’s missiles could destroy Israel’s four-layer military centers — but they did.”

A missile struck Be’er Sheva, a southern Israeli city, injuring 5 people, destroying buildings and vehicles.

• Israeli defense systems reportedly failed to intercept the missile.

• Cluster munitions were allegedly used, making interception difficult. Some missiles exploded mid-air, scattering smaller bomblets over an 8 km area.

Top adviser Ali Shamkhani

Iranian Supreme Leader’s top adviser Ali Shamkhani, who was severely injured in an Israeli airstrike on June 13, is now in stable condition.

In a statement, he said:

“I’m alive and ready to sacrifice myself.”
Reports of his death were circulating but have now been denied.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state media:

“As long as Israeli attacks continue, Iran will not enter any negotiations.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister is also addressing the UN Human Rights Council today. Israel’s ambassador, who plans to speak to the press, has criticized the council, calling it biased and anti-Semitic.

Meanwhile:

• Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an immediate ceasefire.

• A UN Security Council emergency meeting is scheduled for today.

• German, French, and British Foreign Ministers will meet Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva to discuss the nuclear situation.

• The U.S. has reportedly agreed to support the EU diplomatic initiative.

The New York Times has reported that if military pressure on Iran intensifies, it could push Iran toward developing nuclear weapons.
Though U.S. intelligence believes Iran has not yet made a final decision, it has enough enriched uranium for one bomb.
Key triggers could include:

• A strike on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.

• The assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

A viral video on X (formerly Twitter) shows Israeli TV anchors and guests fleeing their studio mid-broadcast after air raid sirens sounded, signaling incoming Iranian missile attacks.

Due to the escalating conflict, China and several other countries have urged their citizens to leave Iran and Israel immediately.

The Iran-Israel conflict continues to escalate, with severe military exchanges and strong diplomatic standoffs. While Iran claims to have only used a fraction of its military capability, the global community is scrambling to avoid a wider regional or even nuclear confrontation.

Germany and Turkey Coordinate on Crisis

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the Middle East situation in a phone call Friday. A German spokesperson said both leaders agreed to work together to de-escalate the region’s growing tensions.

France, UK, and Germany Offer Diplomatic Solution

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that European powers — including France, Germany, and the UK — will present Iran with a diplomatic proposal aimed at resolving the conflict. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is meeting his European counterparts in Geneva today.

Iran Arrests Alleged Mossad Agent

Iran claimed to have arrested a Mossad agent who was allegedly sending details about Iranian air defense systems to Israel using WhatsApp.

Be’er Sheva Hit by Iranian Missiles

Photos from Be’er Sheva, Israel, show major destruction following Iranian missile strikes. Cars were destroyed, and residential buildings suffered heavy damage. Emergency personnel are at the scene.

Russia Warns Against Nuclear Use

The Kremlin warned that any U.S. use of tactical nuclear weapons in Iran would be “catastrophic.” Russia also confirmed its specialists at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant are safe, and the situation remains “under control.”

Leadership Changes in Iran’s Intelligence

Iran named Brigadier General Majid Khademi as the new head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organisation, amid rising tensions.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Speaks

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said recent strikes on Israel are punishment for what he called the “Zionist enemy’s actions.”

NATO, U.S. Weigh Response

Iran is expected to be discussed at the upcoming NATO summit. U.S. President Trump said a decision on whether the U.S. will join Israeli military actions will come in the next two weeks.