Israel launches strikes on missile facilities in central Iran - First Squawk

Israel launches strikes on missile facilities in central Iran - First Squawk

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Israel has launched a series of airstrikes targeting missile facilities in central Iran. The strikes, which took place on June 19, 2025, represent a new phase in the escalating tensions between the two nations.

According to Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, the airstrikes targeted the headquarters of Iran's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND) and industrial sites in Kermanshah and Tabriz. The strikes also reached the city of Rasht on the Caspian Sea [1].

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has been conducting systematic strikes to neutralize the nuclear threat posed by Iran. The IAF has reported hitting more than 1,100 Iranian assets in hundreds of strikes since the conflict began on June 13, 2025 [2]. The airstrikes are part of an effort to degrade Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and air defenses.

The conflict has seen a decrease in the frequency of missile attacks by Iran, with the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) attributing this decline to Israel's targeted strikes on Iran's missile stockpile and launching capabilities [3]. Since the conflict began, Iran has launched six waves of attacks involving 100–200 missiles on Friday and Saturday, with only two waves of 35–40 missiles each since then.

The strikes come as diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is en route to Geneva for meetings with European diplomats, while French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a comprehensive diplomatic and technical offer of negotiation to Iran [1].

The conflict has had significant implications for the global financial markets. The escalation of tensions has led to volatility in energy and commodity markets, with oil prices fluctuating due to concerns about supply disruptions. The conflict has also raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation.

In conclusion, the latest airstrikes by Israel represent a significant escalation in the conflict with Iran. The strikes, while potentially effective in degrading Iran's missile capabilities, also underscore the ongoing tensions between the two nations and the challenges faced by diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

References:

[1] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israel-and-iran-launch-new-strikes-even-as-diplomatic-effort-gets-underway
[2] https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/iran-israel-missiles/2025/06/18/id/1215444/
[3] https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/06/45944854/irans-missile-stockpile-may-be-shrinking-as-strikes-on-israel-taper-off-says-think-tank-lmt-rtx-gd-in-focus