Tel Aviv: At least 50 Iranian missiles hit various locations in Israel during a 12-day conflict, marking a significant escalation despite Israel's advanced air defense systems.
According to Anadolu Agency, the conflict unfolded with Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, which prompted retaliatory attacks by Tehran. The hostilities rapidly escalated until a ceasefire, brokered by the United States and announced by President Donald Trump, took effect on June 24. The aftermath of the conflict has revealed considerable tolls on both sides involved.
Israel imposed strict censorship on media outlets, both local and international, impeding the release of images and detailed reports on attacks targeting military and security sites. Consequently, the full extent of Israeli military losses remains ambiguous.
The Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), referencing the Israeli military, Magen David Adom emergency service, and Ministries of Health and Welfare and Social Affairs, reported that Iran launched a total of 591 missiles at Israel, with at least 50 making direct impacts. Additionally, Iran deployed over 1,050 drones, of which 570 reached Israeli territory, although only one reportedly evaded interception.
Air raid sirens were activated approximately 19,500 times nationwide during the attacks. Israeli officials claimed that 85% to 90% of the missiles and 99% of the drones were successfully intercepted.
The Iranian missile offensive resulted in the deaths of 29 individuals in Israel and injuries to 3,491 others, including those affected while seeking shelter or experiencing psychological distress. Nearly 11,000 residents were evacuated from targeted areas, with authorities receiving over 38,000 damage reports.
In retaliation, Israeli forces targeted over 1,480 military sites in Iran, as stated by the Israeli military, disabling 20 fighter jets, approximately 1,000 ballistic missiles, and numerous missile launchers. Airstrikes were conducted in at least 20 Iranian cities, including Tehran, Tabriz, Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Mashhad.
The Iranian Health Ministry reported 627 deaths and at least 4,870 injuries due to Israeli attacks. Among the fatalities were 25 senior Iranian commanders, including Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh.
The Israeli intelligence agency Mossad was instrumental in the targeted assassinations of Iranian figures, releasing unprecedented footage of its operations. Iran confirmed the deaths of 11 nuclear scientists, while Israel claimed the number was at least 15.
The United States and Israel also targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that the Fordo site had been rendered inoperable and claimed that Iran's nuclear development had been significantly hindered.
Beyond military targets, Israel struck Iranian infrastructure, including the Red Crescent, Tehran's water network, an electricity distribution center, and Evin Prison, which houses political dissidents.
Iran stated that over 700 individuals were detained on suspicion of collaborating with Israel. It also claimed to have seized thousands of drones and UAVs, including kamikaze models, and executed five persons previously convicted of espionage. Tehran further announced the downing of three Israeli Hermes drones and an F-35 fighter jet, although the latter claim was not confirmed by Israeli officials.
Despite the ceasefire, explosions continue to reverberate in parts of Iran, with air defenses remaining active due to ongoing drone sightings.