A building struck by Israeli aircrafts in Tehran
The second week of the Israel-Iran war began with renewed Israeli strikes, including an attack on an Iranian nuclear research facility. Early Saturday, smoke was seen rising near a mountain in Isfahan, where local officials confirmed that Israel carried out two waves of airstrikes on the site. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister warned the United States against entering the conflict.
Israeli airstrikes targeted two centrifuge production sites in Isfahan, marking the second attack on the city since the start of the Israel-Iran war. According to an Israeli military official, the strikes were part of a broader campaign to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program and followed similar attacks on other centrifuge facilities in recent days.Akbar Salehi, Isfahan’s deputy governor for security affairs, confirmed the strikes caused damage to the facility but reported no human casualties. Israel’s defense minister also announced that three senior Iranian commanders had been killed in targeted operations, including a Revolutionary Guard officer responsible for funding and arming Hamas ahead of the October 7, 2023, assault that ignited the ongoing 20-month Gaza war.In response, Iran launched a new wave of drones and missiles toward Israel. However, an Israeli official described the attack as a “small barrage” that was mostly intercepted, with no immediate reports of serious damage.
An Israeli official said Iran’s latest attack was limited due to ongoing strikes that have destroyed over 50% of its missile launchers, creating a “bottleneck” and reducing its ability to fire at Israel. “The regime still has capabilities,” he added.Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department confirmed that several American citizens sustained minor injuries from an Iranian missile strike.
How the Israel-Iran War Erupted in June 2025: A Timeline of Escalation
The Iran–Israel war erupted in early June 2025 after months of escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and its support for proxy groups across the Middle East. The immediate trigger came when Israel launched a large-scale airstrike campaign targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, as part of what it called a preemptive operation to stop Iran from reaching nuclear weapon capability. Israeli officials stated that intelligence indicated Iran was rapidly advancing its uranium enrichment and missile programs, prompting urgent action. In the opening hours of the conflict, over 200 Israeli fighter jets struck nearly 100 high-value targets across Iran, including missile launchers, air defense systems, and IRGC command centers. The operation marked the most direct and intense military confrontation between the two countries in modern history.
Iran responded swiftly with waves of missile and drone attacks against Israeli cities, military bases, and infrastructure. While Israel’s Iron Dome and other air defense systems intercepted many of these projectiles, some caused casualties and damage.
The Iranian regime declared that any further aggression would lead to “unlimited retaliation,” while also warning the United States to stay out of the conflict. In the days that followed, clashes intensified, with Israel continuing to hit nuclear and military targets and Iran striking back with its regional proxies and ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts by global powers to de-escalate the situation were largely unsuccessful.The war’s second week saw further escalation, including strikes on Iranian centrifuge production sites and the killing of senior Iranian commanders. With both nations suffering casualties and mounting international concern over nuclear fallout risks, the conflict has entered a highly volatile phase. The war, still ongoing, has reshaped regional dynamics, heightened fears of a wider Middle East conflict, and placed unprecedented pressure on diplomatic, military, and humanitarian fronts.
Kurdistan Region Stance on Israel-Iran War
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has taken a neutral and cautious stance amid the escalating Israel-Iran war, emphasizing the need for restraint and regional stability. In official statements, KRG leaders condemned the use of military force by any side, warning that further escalation could endanger peace across the Middle East. President Nechirvan Barzani urged diplomatic solutions during discussions with Iranian officials, reinforcing the KRG’s commitment to non-involvement. While the government stresses neutrality, public sentiment within the Kurdistan Region tells a more complex story.
Many Kurdish citizens, especially those with strong anti-Tehran feelings due to Iran’s historic oppression of Kurdish minorities, quietly support Israel’s strikes against Iranian nuclear and military targets. However, the KRG has refrained from echoing this sentiment publicly to avoid provoking Tehran or entangling the region in the conflict. Security agencies have also warned against misinformation, particularly rumors about Kurdish involvement, and have taken steps to ensure border security. Overall, the KRG’s position reflects a strategic effort to safeguard Kurdish stability while navigating the volatile regional dynamics of the Israel-Iran confrontation.
