Date: June 21, 2025
By: parrotblogpa.com.ng
In one of the most dramatic escalations in Middle Eastern military history, Israel and Iran have entered a direct conflict—a first in their decades-long shadow war. What began as tit-for-tat cyberattacks and proxy clashes has erupted into open warfare, leaving many wondering: who is winning?
What Triggered the War?
The spark came in early June 2025, when Iran-backed proxies launched rockets toward Israel’s northern borders. Israel responded with surgical strikes on Iranian arms depots in Syria. Days later, the Israeli Air Force launched a full-scale attack inside Iranian territory, targeting:
Nuclear research sites
Ballistic missile launchers
IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) command centers
Iran responded with a massive drone and missile barrage—over 1,000 launched within 48 hours. Most were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow air defense systems, but some caused damage in Tel Aviv and southern Israel.
Israel’s Tactical Edge
Israel has taken the lead in this war tactically and strategically.
Covert strikes deep inside Iran: Israel neutralized major weapons manufacturing hubs and military command bunkers in Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad.
Precision: With support from real-time U.S. intelligence, Israel hit multiple top IRGC commanders, including General Ali Khamenei-Nejad, a key architect of Iran’s missile program.
Iron Dome effectiveness: Over 90% of incoming Iranian projectiles were intercepted, preventing mass civilian casualties.
Cyber warfare dominance: Israel reportedly disabled several Iranian communication satellites and jammed their military radar systems for hours.
Iran’s Response: Bold But Blunted
Iran’s counterattacks were powerful in scale but limited in success.
Missile Salvos: Over 1,200 drones and rockets were fired. Some landed in Israel, but many were shot down or crashed in neighboring countries.
Propaganda Wins: Iran broadcast video of minor damage in Israeli cities to maintain public morale, though the real damage was minimal.
Proxy Mobilization: Iran attempted to activate Hezbollah (Lebanon), the Houthis (Yemen), and Iraqi militias—but international pressure has kept these allies relatively quiet.
Civilian Toll: Iranian cities have reported over 600 casualties due to Israeli airstrikes. Critical infrastructure in Isfahan and Shiraz has been destroyed.
Civilian Impact
In Iran: Dozens of hospitals overwhelmed. Reports of fuel shortages and power outages in southern provinces.
In Israel: At least 23 civilians wounded in missile strikes. Schools and businesses in Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and parts of Tel Aviv have been shut down.
Refugees: Thousands of Iranian civilians are fleeing toward Afghanistan and Turkey, fearing prolonged war.
Global Response
U.S. and EU: Calling for “immediate de-escalation.” President Biden held emergency talks with Netanyahu and cautioned against striking Iranian nuclear reactors.
Russia and China: Urged restraint but blamed Israel for “escalating tensions.”
UN Security Council: Emergency meeting ended with no resolution due to vetoes from Russia and China.
| Criteria | Israel | Iran |
| ———————— | —————————————— | ———————————————— |
| **Military Success** | ✅ Over 100 key Iranian targets neutralized | ⚠️ Some successful retaliatory strikes |
| **Defense Capability** | ✅ High-tech interception systems | ❌ Largely exposed to Israeli airstrikes |
| **Leadership Stability** | ✅ Strong political backing at home | ⚠️ Internal unrest increasing |
| **Global Sympathy** | ✅ Support from allies, especially U.S. | ❌ Accused of war crimes (e.g., hospital strikes) |
What Next?
Peace Talks? Not yet. Both sides refuse to stand down.
Wider War? Risk is high. Hezbollah and other proxies may get pulled in.
Nuclear Red Lines? International fear is growing that Israeli strikes might reach Iran’s nuclear facilities—raising alarm over global escalation.
CONCLUSION: This war is far from over. While Israel may be “winning” on paper, every missile fired brings the region closer to a catastrophe that could affect the entire world.
