Conflict Enters Day 7, Over 600 Reported Dead Across Both Nations
| June 19, 2025
The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict intensified on Thursday as Israel carried out fresh airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the Khondab heavy-water reactor near Arak. The strike comes in retaliation to Iran’s recent missile attack on a hospital in central Israel, which claimed 13 civilian lives and left dozens wounded.
According to the Israeli military, the attack was part of a “calibrated response” aimed at neutralizing what it called “a direct threat to national security.” Israeli fighter jets reportedly targeted several sites suspected of advancing Iran’s nuclear weapons capability.
Iranian state media confirmed that missiles hit installations near Arak, including an under-construction heavy-water facility. However, Iranian officials denied any radiation leak or casualties, calling the attack a “desperate act of aggression.” Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has vowed a “strong response at the right time and place.”
The seven-day-long conflict has now claimed over 600 lives, with more than 1,300 injured, according to regional human rights observers. Civilians in both countries continue to bear the brunt of the hostilities, with repeated missile alarms and power outages reported in several cities.
In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is set to attend a special session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul this weekend. The OIC is expected to take up Israel’s actions against Iran, especially the recent strikes on nuclear and military sites.
Global leaders, including G7 nations and the United Nations, have urged both sides to halt military operations and pursue diplomatic channels. However, on the ground, there appears little sign of de-escalation as both countries reinforce their military readiness.
