Iran-Israel Conflict: 400+ Dead, Israel Strikes Isfahan Nuclear Facility, UN Warns Of Refugee Crisis

News18

3 hours ago

Israel has launched a second wave of strikes on Iran's Isfahan nuclear facility, targeting two centrifuge production sites overnight, a military official revealed.
The Iran-Israel conflict entered its ninth day on Saturday, marked by a rising death toll, continued military strikes, and growing international concern. With over 400 reported dead in Iran, the crisis has prompted warnings from the UN about a looming refugee emergency, even as Tehran calls on countries like India to condemn Israel's actions.
Iran Says Over 400 Killed Since Outbreak of War with Israel
More than 400 people have been killed in Iran since Israeli airstrikes began last week, according to an updated toll shared by Iran's health ministry on Saturday. 'As of this morning, Israeli attacks have claimed the lives of over 400 defenseless Iranians and left 3,056 others wounded by missiles and drones," said Hossein Kermanpour, spokesperson for the health ministry, in a statement posted on X. The toll reflects mounting casualties as the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies.
Israel Says It Killed Three Iranian Commanders
The Israeli military announced that it had eliminated a senior Iranian official responsible for military coordination with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, along with two other commanders, in overnight airstrikes.
In a statement, the military said its fighter jets struck near the city of Qom, killing Saeed Izadi, the commander of the Palestine Corps of Iran's Quds Force and the key liaison between the Iranian regime and Hamas. The Quds Force operates as the foreign arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
During a press briefing on Saturday, a military official further confirmed the deaths of two additional Iranian commanders—Behnam Shahriyari and Aminpour Judaki—also targeted in the same round of strikes.
Israel has launched a second wave of strikes on Iran's Isfahan nuclear facility, targeting two centrifuge production sites overnight, a military official revealed.
'Isfahan was among our initial targets during the first 24 hours of operations. We have now conducted a second wave of strikes to deepen the impact and inflict further damage on Iran's centrifuge production," the official said during a media briefing, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Israel Targets Military Sites in Southwest Iran
The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it had launched strikes on what it described as 'military infrastructure" in southwestern Iran. These strikes mark the ninth day of sustained hostilities following Israel's initial attack on Iranian territory. 'Fighter jets are currently striking military infrastructure in southwestern Iran," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in an official statement.
Iran's Supreme Leader Identifies Possible Successors from Secure Location
In the face of growing threats to his life amid the ongoing conflict, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly taken refuge in a fortified bunker and named three senior clerics as potential successors. According to a report by The New York Times, citing Iranian officials, Khamenei has also begun selecting replacements for top military commanders killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Contrary to earlier reports, officials clarified that Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, is not among the clerics under consideration to succeed him. They also stated that Khamenei is fully aware of the threat of assassination from either Israel or the United States, and views the prospect of dying under such circumstances as an act of martyrdom.
Iran Urges India To Condemn Israeli Military Actions
Iran expects countries like India to publicly denounce Israel's military actions, which it views as violations of international law, a senior Iranian diplomat stated on Friday. Mohammad Javad Hosseini, deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, emphasized this expectation during a media briefing.
He also addressed Pakistan's role, urging the country to refrain from actions that could undermine Iran's security. This comment came in response to questions regarding Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir's recent meeting with former US President Donald Trump at the White House. Speculation is growing that Washington may seek access to Pakistani military bases should it decide to initiate strikes on Tehran.
UN Warns Against New Refugee Crisis Amid Iran-Israel Conflict
The United Nations has raised concerns that the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel could lead to a new refugee crisis in the Middle East. In a statement released Saturday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cautioned that once large-scale displacement begins, it is often irreversible in the short term.
The agency noted that the intensity of the fighting has already prompted civilian movements in both countries. Early reports indicate that people have begun fleeing from Tehran and other Iranian cities, with some reportedly crossing into neighboring nations.
According to Israeli assessments, the repeated air raids have severely disrupted Iran's ability to manufacture centrifuges used in uranium enrichment, dealing a significant blow to the country's nuclear infrastructure.
Iran Arrests 22 Over Alleged Israeli Spy Links
Authorities in Iran's Qom province have arrested 22 individuals allegedly linked to Israeli intelligence services since June 13, local police announced.
Citing the province's police intelligence chief, the Fars news agency reported that those arrested face charges of collaborating with the 'Zionist regime's spy network," spreading disinformation, and supporting Israel.
In a related development, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that a European national had also been detained on suspicion of espionage, though details such as the individual's nationality or arrest date were not disclosed.
Meanwhile, the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights stated that at least 223 people have been arrested across the country on charges of collaborating with Israel. The group warned that the actual number of detainees could be considerably higher.
(With inputs from agencies)
About the Author
Abhro Banerjee
Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...Read More
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First Published:
June 21, 2025, 20:04 IST
News world Iran-Israel Conflict: 400+ Dead, Israel Strikes Isfahan Nuclear Facility, UN Warns Of Refugee Crisis