Iran's Direct Strike On Israel: A New Era Of Conflict?

Eveline McDermott 18 Jun 2025

For decades, the simmering animosity between Iran and Israel largely played out in the shadows, characterized by clandestine operations and proxy skirmishes. However, a dramatic shift has recently occurred, prompting the critical question: has Iran started attacking Israel directly, ushering in an unprecedented phase of open confrontation? The answer, unequivocally, is yes, marking a significant escalation in a long-standing regional rivalry. This direct aerial assault by Tehran represents a pivotal moment, moving the conflict from covert actions to overt military engagement, with profound implications for regional stability and global security.

The recent events have shattered the previous paradigm of "shadow warfare," where both nations engaged in a complex dance of sabotage, cyberattacks, and support for opposing factions. The direct exchange of fire has not only heightened tensions but also raised concerns about a broader regional conflict, drawing in international powers and forcing a re-evaluation of long-held geopolitical strategies. Understanding the genesis and immediate aftermath of these attacks is crucial to grasping the gravity of the current situation.

The Long Shadow War: Decades of Enmity Unveiled

For decades, the intricate relationship between Israel and Iran has been defined by a "shadow warfare," a complex tapestry of covert operations, cyberattacks, and proxy conflicts rather than direct military confrontation. This undeclared war has seen a long history of clandestine attacks by land, sea, air, and cyberspace, primarily orchestrated by Tehran through its various proxies. These proxies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, have historically served as Iran's long arm, allowing it to exert influence and strike at Israeli interests without directly engaging its own military. This strategy provided a degree of deniability and allowed both sides to avoid the catastrophic consequences of an all-out war. The conflict, once largely relegated to the shadows, has been a persistent undercurrent in Middle Eastern geopolitics, shaping alliances and fueling regional instability. While the world watched proxy battles unfold, the direct military confrontation that would answer the question "has Iran started attacking Israel" remained a theoretical, albeit terrifying, possibility. The recent events, however, have dramatically altered this delicate balance, pushing the conflict into an overt and dangerous new phase. The strategic ambiguity that once characterized their rivalry has now been replaced by explicit military actions, signaling a profound shift in the dynamics of power and conflict in the region. This escalation demands a closer look at the triggers that led to such a dramatic turn of events.

The Catalyst: Israel's Strikes on Iran

The immediate catalyst for Iran's unprecedented direct assault on Israel was a series of Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Israel had launched a major attack with strikes early on a Friday, setting off explosions in the Iranian capital of Tehran. These actions, which the Israeli military warned were retaliatory, followed previous Israeli attacks on Iranian military and nuclear targets. The logic of prevention may have been cited by Israel as an excuse for these attacks, but the regional security dilemma undoubtedly made conditions ripe for war. This aggressive posture by Israel against Iranian military and nuclear sites was a significant departure from the typical shadow warfare, pushing the boundaries of engagement and directly challenging Iranian sovereignty. The strikes were not isolated incidents but part of an ongoing aerial war between Israel and Iran, which at one point entered its sixth day, leading to significant casualties. Iranian state media reported that more than 220 Iranians had been killed and at least 1,200 injured since the bombardment began, highlighting the severity of Israel's prior actions. These escalating attacks by Israel set the stage for Iran's response, making the question "has Iran started attacking Israel" not just a query, but a grim reality.

Targeting Critical Infrastructure

The Israeli strikes were precise and aimed at weakening Iran's military capabilities and potentially its nuclear program. Reports indicated that Israel struck a refueling plane at an airport, a strategic target designed to cripple Iran's logistical capabilities. Furthermore, a missile reportedly damaged several buildings in downtown Haifa, signaling Israel's willingness to strike urban centers. Another significant target was near Israel's spy agency, suggesting a broader intelligence-related objective. The Israeli attacks also reportedly struck a major hospital, though the intention behind such a strike would be highly controversial and potentially a violation of international humanitarian law. On June 13, explosions rocked Tehran as Israel carried out a major attack on Iran’s nuclear program, a critical point of contention and a primary driver of regional tensions. These strategic strikes aimed to convince Iran that no attack was imminent and to prevent Iranians on Israel's target list from moving to new locations, a tactic possibly intended to maintain an element of surprise and effectiveness in their operations. These actions, directly targeting Iranian assets and infrastructure, were the direct precursors to the dramatic shift in the conflict, paving the way for Iran's subsequent direct retaliation and answering the question: has Iran started attacking Israel?

Iran's Unprecedented Retaliation: Aerial Barrage on Israel

In a dramatic and unprecedented move, Iran launched a direct military assault on Israel, marking the first time it has done so. This retaliatory strike came after Israel’s attacks on Iranian military and nuclear targets. The sheer scale of the Iranian response was significant: Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the latest in a series of rapidly escalating attacks between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies. This direct aerial attack by Iran was a stark departure from its historical reliance on proxies, fundamentally changing the nature of the conflict. The attack set off air raid sirens across Israel, signaling the immediate and widespread threat. Iran's Revolutionary Guard proudly stated that it carried out attacks against dozens of targets, including military centers and airbases within Israel, demonstrating a clear intent to inflict damage on strategic Israeli assets. This overt act of aggression unequivocally confirmed that yes, has Iran started attacking Israel directly, moving beyond the long-standing shadow warfare. The international community watched with bated breath as the skies over Israel lit up with incoming projectiles, a clear testament to the dangerous new chapter in the conflict.

Missiles and Drones Unleashed

The Iranian assault was not just about the number of projectiles; it was also about the variety and sophistication of the weapons used. While the "Data Kalimat" specifically mentions "at least 180 missiles," it implies a coordinated attack that likely included drones as well, a common tactic in modern aerial warfare, especially given the range and scale of the operation. The attack was comprehensive, targeting various strategic locations across Israel. Medics reported that five people were wounded in Iran's attack on Israel, indicating that while the scale of the attack was massive, defensive measures likely mitigated a higher casualty count. The Israeli military had warned that "all of Israel is under fire" following Iran's retaliatory strikes, underscoring the widespread nature of the threat. The goal of such an extensive barrage was likely to demonstrate Iran's capability to strike directly at Israel, to deter further Israeli aggression, and to exact a measure of revenge for the prior Israeli strikes. This direct military engagement, with missiles striking Israeli territory, definitively answered the question: has Iran started attacking Israel? It was a clear and undeniable act of war, moving the conflict into a new and dangerous phase of direct confrontation.

Immediate Aftermath and Human Cost

The immediate aftermath of Iran's direct aerial attack on Israel was characterized by heightened alert and a grim assessment of the human cost. While the "Data Kalimat" indicates that medics reported five people were wounded in Iran's attack on Israel, the broader context of the conflict reveals a more tragic toll. The Israeli military had issued warnings that "all of Israel is under fire," indicating the widespread nature of the threat and the potential for significant casualties. This was a stark contrast to the shadow war, where casualties were often fewer and less publicly acknowledged. Conversely, the prior Israeli strikes on Iranian targets had already exacted a heavy price. Iranian state media reported a devastating toll, with more than 220 Iranians killed and at least 1,200 injured since the bombardment began. This highlights the asymmetry of the immediate reported casualties from Iran's direct attack versus the cumulative casualties from Israel's preceding strikes. The focus on direct retaliation by Iran, however, shifts the narrative to the immediate impact on Israeli soil. The fact that only five people were reported wounded in Tel Aviv, Israel (AP), after such a dramatic aerial attack, suggests the effectiveness of Israel's air defense systems, such as the Iron Dome, in intercepting a significant portion of the incoming projectiles. Nevertheless, the psychological impact of air raid sirens blaring across the country and the visible threat of incoming missiles cannot be overstated. The question "has Iran started attacking Israel" was answered not just by the launch of missiles, but by the tangible impact on the ground, however limited the casualties were in this initial direct exchange. The human cost, both immediate and cumulative, underscores the severe escalation and the inherent dangers of this new phase of conflict.

International Reactions and Diplomatic Maneuvers

The direct military confrontation, particularly the question of "has Iran started attacking Israel," sent ripples across the international community, prompting a flurry of reactions and diplomatic efforts. European diplomats, recognizing the severe implications of an escalating conflict, immediately held talks with Iran, signaling a desire for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution. The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, found itself in a precarious position. Israel, anticipating further support, was reportedly waiting for the United States to get directly involved, a move that could significantly broaden the scope of the conflict. This expectation was met with a degree of caution from the U.S. side. Former President Trump, during his tenure, had indicated a willingness to make a decision about attacking Iran "within the next two" (likely days or weeks), suggesting a readiness for direct intervention. However, the international landscape is complex. Russia, for instance, made a threat to the U.S. after Donald Trump allegedly 'approved a plan' for an attack on Iran, while others called for negotiations. This highlights the deep divisions and potential for proxy conflicts to draw in global powers. Iran, for its part, also threatened to retaliate against the U.S. for the Israeli attack, despite the U.S. not directly participating in Israel's initial strikes. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, claimed Iran had “solid evidence” that the U.S. provided support for Israel’s attacks, a claim that complicates any U.S. mediation efforts. Iran’s foreign ministry further stated that the attacks were a direct consequence of U.S. support for Israel, framing the conflict in broader terms of regional power dynamics.

Global Calls for De-escalation vs. Calls for Intervention

The international response was a delicate balance between calls for de-escalation and the underlying pressures for intervention. On one hand, many nations and international bodies urged restraint, fearing a full-blown regional war that could destabilize global energy markets and lead to a humanitarian crisis. The European diplomatic engagement with Iran was a clear attempt to open channels for dialogue and prevent further escalation. On the other hand, the U.S. faced immense pressure from Israel to provide direct military support, potentially leading to a direct confrontation between the U.S. and Iran. The declaration by some factions that the U.S. had "declared war on Iran or started joining Israel in its" actions reflects the heightened rhetoric and the perception of a looming broader conflict. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei further inflamed tensions, warning that Israel faces a ‘bitter and painful’ fate following the attack, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised that Iran would retaliate. This rhetoric from Iran's highest authority underscores the deep-seated animosity and the potential for continued escalation, despite international efforts to calm the situation. The international community is walking a tightrope, attempting to contain a conflict that has now explicitly answered the question: has Iran started attacking Israel, and what will the world do about it?

The Role of Proxies and Regional Dynamics

The long-standing conflict between Iran and Israel has historically been characterized by the significant role of proxies, groups supported by one side to carry out actions against the other, thereby maintaining a degree of plausible deniability. For decades, Iran has effectively utilized groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza to project its power and strike at Israeli interests. These proxies allowed Tehran to engage in "shadow warfare" without directly committing its own military forces, thus avoiding an overt confrontation that could escalate into a full-scale war. However, the recent direct aerial attack by Iran on Israel, which definitively answers the question "has Iran started attacking Israel," marks a fundamental shift away from this proxy-centric strategy. This move suggests a change in Iran's calculus, perhaps driven by a perceived need for a more direct and forceful response to Israeli actions. The current escalation is also influenced by the internal and external pressures on both nations. Iran, according to some analyses, has never been weaker internally after nationwide protests a few years ago, potentially pushing the regime to project strength externally. Conversely, Israel has massively degraded its proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas, through various military operations, limiting Iran's traditional avenues of retaliation. This degradation of proxies might have left Iran with fewer options for indirect response, compelling it to resort to direct military action. The regional security dilemma, where each nation's defensive actions are perceived as offensive by the other, creates a feedback loop that fuels conflict. This dynamic, coupled with the weakening of traditional proxy channels, has pushed the conflict into a more dangerous and unpredictable phase.

Shifting Power Dynamics and Weakened Proxies

The shift from proxy warfare to direct confrontation also reflects evolving power dynamics in the region. The effectiveness of Iran's proxies has been a cornerstone of its regional strategy, but sustained pressure from Israel and its allies has significantly impacted their capabilities. The weakening of Hezbollah and Hamas, while not rendering them entirely ineffective, has certainly reduced their capacity to serve as reliable instruments for large-scale retaliation. This could be a significant factor in why Iran felt compelled to directly launch missiles into Israel. Furthermore, the political landscape in the United States, with a "sympathetic president" (referring to a previous administration's stance), might have influenced the strategic decisions of both Iran and Israel, leading to bolder actions. The ongoing aerial war, with its tragic human cost on both sides (more than 220 people killed in Israeli strikes so far, and 220 Iranians killed and 1,200 injured in Israeli bombardments), underscores the severity of this new chapter. Iran's long-term strategy of gradually increasing its uranium enrichment levels, starting with low percentages and raising them over decades, also plays into the broader regional anxieties, contributing to the perception of a growing threat that necessitates preemptive or retaliatory actions. The direct answer to "has Iran started attacking Israel" is a resounding yes, and this shift has irrevocably altered the regional dynamics, forcing all players to re-evaluate their positions.

What Comes Next? The Path Forward

The direct exchange of fire between Iran and Israel has opened a new, perilous chapter in their long history of conflict, raising urgent questions about what comes next. The immediate concern is the potential for a full-scale regional war, a scenario that would have devastating consequences for the Middle East and ripple effects across the globe. With Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei warning that Israel faces a ‘bitter and painful’ fate and promising further action, the rhetoric from Tehran remains defiant and escalatory. Conversely, Israel's history of robust retaliation suggests it will not absorb such direct attacks without a significant response. The delicate balance of deterrence has been shattered, replaced by an overt cycle of attack and counter-attack. The role of international powers will be critical in shaping the path forward. European diplomats have already engaged in talks with Iran, signaling a desire for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution. However, the United States' position remains pivotal. Israel is reportedly waiting for the United States to get directly involved, a move that would undoubtedly broaden the conflict significantly. The U.S. has declared war on Iran or started joining Israel in its actions, a perception that complicates any mediation efforts. Russia's threat to the U.S. after a perceived approval of an attack on Iran further underscores the complex geopolitical chessboard. The logic of prevention, which may have been an excuse for Israel to attack Iran previously, now gives way to a more direct and dangerous tit-for-tat. The internal state of Iran, described as "never weaker internally after nationwide protests a few years ago," might influence its leadership's decisions, potentially pushing for external shows of strength. The key question now is whether diplomacy can prevail over the momentum of military escalation. The world watches to see if the direct answer to "has Iran started attacking Israel" will lead to a broader conflagration or a return to a more contained, albeit still tense, state of affairs.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Conflict

The dramatic aerial attack launched by Iran on Israel unequivocally confirms that yes, Iran has started attacking Israel directly. This marks a profound and unprecedented shift in the long-standing enmity between the two nations, moving their conflict from the shadows of proxy warfare to overt military confrontation. The history of clandestine attacks by land, sea, air, and cyberspace, which Tehran conducted via its various proxies, has given way to a new chapter where direct strikes are now a grim reality. The escalation began with Israel's attacks on Iranian military and nuclear targets, setting off a chain reaction that saw Iran launch at least 180 missiles into Israel, impacting targets from military centers and airbases to potentially civilian areas. This direct engagement has not only resulted in casualties and widespread air raid alerts but has also ignited a flurry of international reactions, with European diplomats engaging in talks and the United States facing immense pressure to intervene. The rhetoric from both sides, coupled with the complex regional dynamics and the weakening of traditional proxy channels, suggests a highly volatile situation. The question "has Iran started attacking Israel" is no longer a hypothetical; it is a factual description of the current geopolitical landscape. The path forward is fraught with peril, demanding cautious diplomacy and a clear understanding of the severe implications should this conflict escalate further. We invite you to share your thoughts on this critical development. How do you foresee the future of Iran-Israel relations evolving in light of these direct attacks? What role do you believe international powers should play in de-escalating the situation? Leave your comments below, and explore our other articles for more in-depth analysis of global security challenges.

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