Israel Broadens Iran Assault; Trump Issues Ominous Warning/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel has significantly expanded its air campaign against Iran, targeting military, nuclear, and missile infrastructure. U.S. President Donald Trump issued an urgent warning for Tehran residents to evacuate. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes, prompting global race to de-escalate.
Israel–Iran Strikes Quick Looks
- Strikes intensify: Israel expands air campaign targeting Tehran’s nuclear, military, and ballistic sites.
- Tehran warned: Trump and Israeli military urge evacuation for hundreds of thousands of civilians.
- Back-and-forth: Iran retaliates with hundreds of missiles and drones; casualties rise on both sides.
Deep Look
Israel Widens Air Offensive
Five days after its surprise bombardment of Iran’s military and uranium infrastructure, Israel significantly intensified its air campaign over Tehran. Initially, it struck nuclear scientists, military leaders, missile launchers, and command centers. Now, the campaign has expanded markedly to include additional sites around the capital.
Casualty estimates: At least 224 killed, 1,277 wounded in Iran — and around 24 killed, 500 wounded in Israel following Iran’s missile and drone retaliation.
Trump’s Stern Warning and Evacuation Plea
On June 17, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a stark social media warning—“Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”—urging residents to flee the capital. He emphasized, “I just want people to be safe.” He also stated his return from the G7 summit in Canada was not about negotiating a ceasefire, but “something much bigger.”
The Israeli military similarly urged evacuation, particularly for some 330,000 residents in central Tehran.
Impacts in Tehran
Downtown Tehran is largely deserted, with shops and the Grand Bazaar closed for the first time since anti-government protests or the COVID-19 pandemic.
Heavy traffic snakes out of the city, and gas stations display slogans calling for a “severe” response to Israel. Medical staff are on standby as authorities cancel leaves for healthcare workers, urging calm but offering little public guidance.
Targeted Fatalities
Israel claims to have killed Gen. Ali Shadmani, newly appointed head of the IRGC’s Khatam al-Anbiya command. Iran has already started appointing replacements for leaders killed in prior strikes.
The Israeli military asserts it now has full air dominance over Tehran’s airspace, destroying over 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers—a third of Iran’s total—and two F‑14 fighters. It reportedly struck 10 Quds Force command centers and Iran’s state TV headquarters, accusing it of broadcasting anti-Israel propaganda.
Nuclear Setback for Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claims the strikes have significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear program. However, Iran asserts its nuclear efforts remain peaceful.
Notably, Israel has not yet struck the deep-buried Fordo enrichment facility. Such an operation would require the GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, which Israel does not possess.
Diplomacy in the Crossfire
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on Washington to press Israel into halting its strikes, stating: “It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like Netanyahu.”
Though Iran says it will cease its counterstrikes if Israel stops, diplomatic efforts have stalled: U.S.–Iran talks were canceled following the Israeli offensive. Trump hasn’t ruled out sending negotiators, depending on developments.
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