Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil's most symbolic cities, was the setting for a historic meeting between the BRICS countries, which now includes new strategic members. At a time when the world is undergoing intense geopolitical and economic transformations, the BRICS are advocating for new means of payment and new members are meeting in Rio de Janeiro with the clear mission of strengthening ties between emerging nations and proposing real alternatives to traditional models of global trade and finance. This meeting marked the beginning of a new, more inclusive and representative phase, with a focus on strengthening the Global South. What is BRICS and why is this meeting important? BRICS is a group originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Together, these nations represent a significant portion of the global economy, the world's population and the planet's natural resources. The big news, however, is the entry of new members into the group. With this, ...
The conflict between Israel and Iran reached unprecedented levels in June 2025, with mutual attacks that heightened tensions in the Middle East and sparked global fears of a regional war. Below is a summary of the latest developments, based on reliable sources and up-to-date information as of June 15, 2025.
Operation Crescent Lion: Israel’s Initial Strike
In the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, Israel launched "Operation Crescent Lion," a large-scale military offensive against Iran. The attack, described as preemptive by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), targeted nuclear facilities, military bases, and key figures within the Iranian regime. Among the primary targets was the Natanz facility, considered the heart of Iran's uranium enrichment program, which reportedly suffered significant damage, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The attack resulted in the deaths of prominent figures, including:
Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a devastating loss for Tehran due to the IRGC’s strategic influence.
Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces.
At least six nuclear scientists, including Fereydoon Abbasi, former head of Iran’s atomic agency.
Iranian state media reported 78 deaths in Tehran alone, with over 320 wounded. Israel confirmed successful strikes on strategic targets, including the IRGC headquarters and air defense systems. The Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, allegedly used infiltrated drones to neutralize Iranian missile launchers prior to the bombings.
Iranian Retaliation: Missiles Target Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
In response, Iran launched “True Promise 3” on Friday, June 13, firing around 100 ballistic missiles at Israel, with some reaching Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Although most missiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome system with U.S. support, residential buildings and fuel stations were damaged, resulting in 13 deaths and 14 injuries in Israel as of June 15.
On Saturday, June 14, Iran escalated its offensive with another missile wave, causing five more deaths and injuring 80 in Israel. In Tehran, an Israeli bombing struck a residential building, killing 60 people, including 20 children, according to Iranian authorities.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, labeled the Israeli attacks a "declaration of war" and promised a "tooth-breaking" response against Israel and its allies, including the U.S.
Regional and Global Impacts
The conflict has had immediate consequences both regionally and globally:
Airspace closures: Iran and Iraq shut down their airspace, and airlines such as Emirates, Flydubai, and Qatar Airways canceled regional flights.
Threats to regional allies: Iran warned that U.S. bases in the Gulf could be targeted if the U.S. intervenes directly. The Houthis, Iran-aligned rebels in Yemen, increased attacks on Red Sea shipping routes, threatening global trade.
Economic crisis: Oil prices surged due to Israeli attacks on Iranian gas and oil infrastructure, including the South Pars field and the Shahran depot. Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which 25% of global oil flows, raised fears of a global energy crisis.
International Reactions
United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres called for an end to the escalation, while Iran demanded a UN Security Council meeting, accusing the U.S. of complicity in the Israeli attacks.
United States: Washington denied direct involvement but confirmed it assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles. President Donald Trump faces domestic pressure to avoid another “forever war” in the Middle East, though Republican allies are calling for stronger action against Tehran.
IAEA: The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed damage to four nuclear facilities in Isfahan but ruled out immediate contamination risks. Director Rafael Grossi called the attacks on nuclear sites “deeply concerning.”
Context and Motivations
Israel justified the offensive as a move to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear capability, claiming Tehran possesses 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, enough to produce up to 10 nuclear bombs. Iran denies any military intentions, asserting its nuclear program is peaceful.
Analysts suggest Israel seized a “window of opportunity” due to the weakening of Iran's regional allies, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and domestic instability in Tehran. The offensive also boosts Netanyahu politically, as he faces internal crises and investigations.
Escalation Risks
The conflict has reignited fears of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. Experts warn that if Israel fails to destroy all of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Iran may accelerate its nuclear program. A prolonged war could also draw in global powers like the U.S., Russia, and China, due to their economic and geopolitical interests in the region.
The potential collapse of the Iranian regime, a goal for some in Israel, raises concerns of a power vacuum, similar to what happened in Iraq and Libya, with unpredictable consequences.
Conclusion
The war between Israel and Iran, which erupted in June 2025, marks a turning point in the Middle East, with consequences extending far beyond the region. The intensity of the attacks, the losses on both sides, and the threats of further retaliation indicate the conflict is far from resolution. The international community remains on high alert as the world watches the next moves by Tehran, Tel Aviv, and their respective allies.
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