Death Toll Soars in Iran Amid Israeli Assault
Israel airstrikes Tehran: Israel launched intense airstrikes on Tehran early Wednesday, June 18, 2025, marking the deadliest day yet in a rapidly escalating conflict. According to Human Rights Activists, a Washington-based group, Iranian airstrikes have killed at least 585 people and wounded 1,326 since the campaign began.
The Israeli military confirmed it deployed over 50 fighter jets in the latest strikes, targeting a centrifuge manufacturing facility in Tehran. Explosions rocked neighborhoods across Tehran, forcing thousands to flee.
Civilian Toll and Rising Panic
Of the 585 reported dead, 239 were civilians, the human rights group stated. The government in Tehran, however, has downplayed casualties. The last official Iranian count—published Monday—claimed only 224 deaths.
Residents described panic as multiple blasts echoed through Tehran, including one near the state-run television headquarters, forcing an on-air reporter to flee mid-broadcast. Another strike hit Hakimiyeh, home to a Revolutionary Guard academy.
Shops and landmarks like the Grand Bazaar were shuttered. Traffic clogged the city’s highways as families fled westward to avoid further strikes.
Targeted Strikes and Military Losses
Israel claimed responsibility for the killing of Gen. Ali Shadmani, newly appointed head of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, making him the second top Iranian commander killed in the past week. His predecessor, Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, also died in an earlier Israeli attack.
Israeli officials said the strikes are necessary to disrupt Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, amid stalled U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks.
Iran Retaliates with Missiles and Drones
Iran has responded by firing over 400 missiles and launching hundreds of drones into Israel. So far, 24 people have died in Israel, and most incoming missiles have been intercepted, including salvos aimed at Dimona, the site of Israel’s nuclear complex.
Sirens continue to blare across southern Israel, and citizens have been urged to stay near shelters.
Trump Demands Iran’s “Unconditional Surrender”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump added fuel to the fire with inflammatory posts, demanding Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” and warning Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the U.S. knows his location. Trump also confirmed a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss further strategy.
Although the U.S. has sent more warplanes to the Middle East, officials say there are no current plans for direct U.S. strikes.
Iran Warns of Further Retaliation
Iran’s military leaders have vowed that the “real punishment” is yet to come. Gen. Abdul Rahim Mousavi, Iran’s army chief, stated that previous attacks were just warnings, and more intense retaliation is on the way.
Though Iran has launched fewer missiles in recent days, experts believe Israeli strikes have damaged key launch sites, limiting Iran’s ability to continue full-scale offensives.
Source: AP News