SAEDNEWS: Over twelve days in June 2025, a sudden escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States plunged the Middle East into its most severe military confrontation in decades.
According to Saed News, From June 13 through June 24, Israel, supported by the United States, executed a series of aerial assaults on Iran’s nuclear installations alongside civilian and military targets.
Their declared objective was to thwart Tehran’s potential acquisition of nuclear weapons—despite Iran’s longstanding adherence to the Non‑Proliferation Treaty and the rigorous oversight its facilities received from the IAEA.
These coordinated strikes claimed the lives of more than 900 Iranian civilians, military personnel, and nuclear researchers. Hostilities abated on June 24 after Iran acceded to a de‑escalation plan jointly proposed by Washington and Tel Aviv.
The following is a chronology of major events that unfolded during the “12‑Day War”:
June 13
Israel launched the conflict in the pre‑dawn hours of June 13, targeting residential complexes in Tehran with full U.S. logistical and intelligence support. Among those killed were Chief of Staff Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami, IRGC Aerospace Division leader General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters head Major General Gholam‑Ali Rashid. Simultaneously, Israel struck Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei condemned the assault, prophesying a “bitter and painful destiny” for Israel, and swiftly appointed successors to the fallen commanders. That same night, Iran’s armed forces initiated the first of 22 retaliatory waves, codenamed True Promise III.
June 14
On Eid al‑Ghadir, millions of Iranians staged anti‑Israeli demonstrations nationwide, with marches in Tehran spanning from Imam Hossein to Azadi Square. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi announced the cancellation of the sixth round of Iran–U.S. nuclear talks. Meanwhile, President Putin and President Trump reportedly concurred by phone that hostilities must cease.
June 15
An Iranian missile struck Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science, severely damaging several laboratories but causing no casualties. In Tehran, an Israeli strike eliminated IRGC intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy, Hassan Mohaqiq. Additional Israeli ordnance targeted the foreign ministry in Tehran, an Isfahan military base, and a refuelling aircraft at Mashad Airport. Iran responded with its first daytime missile salvo on Israeli territory, wounding at least 15 in Haifa and Bat Yam. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Iran did not seek expansion of the conflict and presented “solid evidence” of U.S. involvement. On U.S. television, Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed he had informed President Trump prior to the initial strikes.
June 16
A timeline of the Iran-Israel war
Israel bombed the IRIB headquarters, breaching international law; broadcaster Sahar Emami was live on air as the facility’s distinctive glass façade shattered. In Haifa, the region’s largest oil refinery announced a full shutdown following damage from Iranian missiles.
June 17
President Trump took to social media to demand Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” The IRGC retaliated by striking key intelligence installations in Tel Aviv, including sites linked to Amman and Mossad.
June 18
Iran confirmed the death of Khatam al‑Anbiya’s new commander, Major General Ali Shadmani. Ayatollah Khamenei warned that any direct U.S. military intervention would inflict “irreparable harm” on Washington.
June 19
Israel targeted additional Iranian assets, notably the heavy water plant at Arak. Iran launched 20–30 missiles at central Israeli cities—Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Holon, and Beersheba. Israeli authorities reported damage to Soroka Hospital, which Iran later explained was hit by blast effects rather than being the intended target—an analysis corroborated by independent experts. The White House stated President Trump would decide on his direct involvement “within the next two weeks.”
June 20
The IRGC’s 17th missile salvo struck military installations at Nevatim and Hatzerim. In Bushehr, the nation’s sole operating nuclear power plant activated air defenses. Qatar’s prime minister cautioned Norway’s chief diplomat that Israeli attacks on Iran’s economy risked “catastrophic” regional repercussions. In Geneva, Araghchi met with the UK, German, and French foreign ministers and the EU’s foreign policy chief, expressing “grave concern” over Europe’s silence on Israel’s aggression.
June 21
At the OIC summit in Istanbul, concluded with a statement condemning Israeli actions, Araghchi represented Iran. Israel then bombed a nuclear site near Esfahan, killing a 16‑year‑old resident in a nearby building. In Qom, an Israeli strike assassinated Mohammed Said Izadi, a senior IRGC Quds Force official.
June 22
The United States formally joined Israel’s campaign, deploying B‑2 stealth bombers and cruise missiles against Iran’s nuclear sites at Esfahan, Natanz, and Fordow. U.S. media questioned the extent of the damage within hours. The IAEA denounced the raids as a “barbaric violation” of international law but reported no radiation leakage.
June 23
Iran’s judiciary announced over 70 fatalities in an attack on Tehran’s Evin Prison, which Israel described as “symbolic.” Araghchi conferred with President Putin in the Kremlin. In retaliation, the IRGC launched 13 missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—six found their mark, though Iran’s prior warning averted casualties. Shortly after midnight, President Trump announced via social media that Iran and Israel had agreed to halt hostilities.
June 24
Iran unleashed its final missile barrage against the occupied territories, described by Israeli media as the war’s most intense. President Masoud Pezeshkian declared the twelve‑day conflict over, though Araghchi clarified that Iran had only agreed to suspend attacks conditional on Israel doing the same. Trump urged the ceasefire’s permanence and claimed U.S. strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme. Iran’s parliament moved to suspend IAEA cooperation, denouncing its last report as politically motivated.
June 25
Iran’s parliament ratified legislation to halt IAEA collaboration. President Trump stated on social media that China could resume Iranian oil purchases, a step analysts deemed preordained. Iran’s Defense Minister, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, attended the SCO summit in China.
June 26
In his first address after the war, Ayatollah Khamenei lauded Iran’s victory over its aggressors and vowed never to yield to U.S. coercion. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani told CBS that Iran would persist with its peaceful nuclear pursuits.
June 27
President Trump signalled he would “absolutely” consider further strikes on Iran and chastised U.S. media for underestimating the effectiveness of his campaign.
June 28
A funeral procession in Tehran drew over a million mourners to honour 60 victims of Israeli attacks, including senior commanders, scientists, and civilians. Advisor Ali Shamkhani made his first public appearance since being targeted, affirming his commitment to Iran’s cause.
June 29
Imam Khomeini International Airport welcomed its first international flight since hostilities began, as Flydubai from the UAE touched down, according to IRNA.
July 5
Ayatollah Khamenei participated in a public mourning for Imam Hussain (AS) at the Imam Khomeini Hussainiya in Tehran—contradicting Western and Israeli claims that he was in hiding. Iran resumed international air traffic after a 20‑day suspension.
