Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates: Over 240 Dead, Tehran Rejects Ceasefire Amid Intensified Airstrikes

Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates: The Israel-Iran conflict has intensified with over 240 dead and Iran rejecting ceasefire talks. Read the full report on missile strikes, civilian casualties, and diplomatic fallout.

Tehran/Tel Aviv, June 2025 — Tensions in the Middle East have reached alarming levels as Iran and Israel engage in direct military confrontation for the fourth consecutive day. The ongoing conflict has already claimed the lives of over 240 people, with hundreds more injured, sparking fears of a broader regional war.

In the early hours of Monday, Iran launched over 100 ballistic missiles targeting multiple Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv. Air raid sirens echoed across the country as explosions lit up the sky, many believed to be from Israel’s Iron Dome defense system intercepting incoming projectiles.

Residential Areas Hit: Elderly Civilians Among the Dead

Despite Israel’s defense measures, several missiles struck populated areas. In Petah Tikva, a city near Tel Aviv, one missile hit a residential building, killing three elderly civilians — two women and a man in their 70s. Windows shattered, concrete walls burned, and multiple apartments were heavily damaged.

The Magen David Adom emergency service confirmed that at least 74 people were injured, including a 30-year-old woman in critical condition. Emergency crews are still searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

Iran Warns of Harsher Retaliation

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a stern warning, promising even more destructive strikes if Israel continues its aerial assault. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, “If the Israeli attacks stop, our response will also cease. But as long as we are under threat, we will not hold back.”

Iran has confirmed the loss of several senior military figures, including General Mohammad Kazemi, the head of its intelligence division. Officials also revealed that Israel had targeted missile factories, air-defense installations, and energy facilities in its latest wave of strikes.

Trump Vetoed Israeli Plan to Target Supreme Leader Khamenei

Amid the escalating violence, a shocking revelation emerged from Washington. A U.S. intelligence official disclosed that former President Donald Trump blocked an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a move that could have led to full-scale war in the region.

The plan reportedly aimed to dismantle the core leadership of Iran’s political and military structure. However, Trump feared that such an action would provoke uncontrollable retaliation and global economic instability.

Attacks on Iranian Government Facilities and Oil Infrastructure

Israel’s strikes extended beyond military targets. Iranian authorities reported that government buildings, oil refineries, and strategic energy depots were also attacked. Massive fires broke out at the Shahran oil depot and southern fuel tanks near Tehran, raising concerns about the impact on global oil markets.

As of Monday morning, 224 people have been confirmed dead in Iran. Iranian health agencies reported 1,277 injuries, although rights groups suspect the real toll may be significantly higher.

Iran Turns Mosques, Metro Stations into Bomb Shelters

With cities under fire, Iran has transformed mosques and metro stations into emergency shelters for civilians. In Tehran, thousands spent the night underground as airstrikes continued. Public fear is mounting, with many citizens reporting food shortages, electricity blackouts, and disrupted communication networks.

Diplomatic Efforts Collapse

Scheduled peace talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman were abruptly canceled following Israel’s attack. Iran has refused mediation offers from Qatar and Oman, declaring it will not consider any ceasefire “while bombs are falling.”

What Lies Ahead?

With Israel showing no signs of stopping and Iran escalating its military response, analysts fear this could spiral into a larger Middle Eastern war, drawing in regional powers like Saudi Arabia, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and even U.S. military assets in the Gulf.

Global markets have already reacted, with oil prices spiking and stock indices falling amid uncertainty.

Conclusion: As civilian casualties rise and peace talks collapse, the world watches nervously. The coming days may prove crucial in determining whether this conflict can be contained — or if it will ignite a war of unprecedented scale in the region.