Iran-Israel war, day 3: photographs reveal extent of damage
Fire of Israeli attack on Sharan Oil depot is seen following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, June 15, 2025Israelis take shelter at the side of a highway as siren sounds following missile attack from Iran on Israel, in central Israel June 15, 2025. A man walks through the smoke of an explosion following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in the centre of Tehran, Iran, June 15, 2025.
Israel continued its military campaign against Iran through the weekend and into Monday, launching new strikes across multiple cities, especially the capital Tehran, forcing residents to flee.
Here's a brief summary of major events and developments so far.
Israel escalates strikes, hits multiple cities
Almost every neighborhood in Tehran was hit on Sunday, prompting a civilian exodus from the capital.
Massive explosions were reported in Shahriar, Eslamshahr, and Vavan.
Israeli warplanes struck missile depots and military infrastructure in western and northern Iran, triggering air defenses in Isfahan, Sanandaj, Ahvaz, Bandar Anzali, and other cities.
Iranian intelligence and foreign ministry headquarters were hit, Mashhad saw large fires, and Tehran’s police command HQ was damaged.
Tehran’s bazaar was shut down and major highways out of the capital experienced a surge in traffic as residents fled.
Iran strikes back with new missile barrage
Iran launched another salvo of missiles early Sunday toward Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem.
Seven Israelis were killed and more than 200 injured; a synagogue in southern Israel was also hit.
Tehran warned any further support for Israel could trigger retaliatory action against other regional states.
Casualties mount on both sides
Iran's health ministry said 224 Iranians have been killed since Friday, and more than 1200 injured - 90% civilians, the report said.
Iran's missile attacks have killed at least 14 Israelis and wounded more than 200.
Fourteen Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed since Friday, some in car bombings.
Iranian officials confirmed some damage to Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites, but most core facilities remain intact.
Israel unveils psychological pressure plan
Israeli PM Netanyahu confirmed the killing of IRGC intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy.
Israel approved a strategy aimed at causing a mass civilian exodus from Tehran by targeting military-linked infrastructure.
The IDF issued warnings to evacuate parts of the capital.
Khamenei under fire from within and abroad
People in some parts of Tehran were heard chanting “Death to Dictator” and "Death to IRGC" during air defense activity at night time.
Iran’s exiled crown prince accused Khamenei of hiding “like a rat” while civilians suffer.
French President Macron ruled out Russia as a mediator in the conflict.
IRGC general Mohsen Rezaei said Iran may cross its red lines and use “undisclosed tactics.”
Talks with US in jeopardy as blame mounts
Iran signaled it may cancel upcoming nuclear talks, citing US complicity in Israeli attacks.
Foreign Minister Araghchi told the EU that negotiations are “unjustifiable” under the circumstances.
Iran has told mediators Qatar and Oman that it is not open to negotiating a ceasefire while under Israeli attack, Reuters reported.
Tehran said it may target Persian Gulf bases if they assist Israeli operations.
Washington's role
Trump said Sunday that Iran and Israel “may have to fight to the end” but expressed hope for a peaceful deal.
Trump vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, Reuters said.
The Pentagon is split: CENTCOM’s Gen. Kurilla wants more support for Israel, but policy chief Elbridge Colby resists diverting forces from Asia.
Trump and Netanyahu both said regime change in Iran could be a result—but not the stated aim—of Israel’s actions.
Nuclear risk remains high, says IAEA
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told the UN that Israeli strikes caused serious damage at Natanz.
No damage was observed at Fordow or the Khondab reactor, but concerns remain over potential radioactive release.
EU and Pope Leo XIV issued fresh calls for nuclear restraint and return to diplomacy.
US President Donald Trump told reporters before heading to the G7 summit in Canada that he hoped for a peaceful resolution to the Iran-Israel clash but the two enemies may have to keep fighting.
"Well I hope there's going to be a deal. I think it's time for a deal and we'll see what happens but sometimes they have to fight it out but we're going to see what happens. I think there's a good chance there will be a deal," he said.
Trump declined to say if he requested Israel pause its attacks on Iran but said Washington would continue to aid Israel's defense against Iranian missiles.
"Several people I spoke to today think it’s very possible that Iran has shifted to 90% at Fordow with no inspections likely happening at the moment," Wall Street Journal Reporter Laurence Norman wrote on X.
Iranian officials on Saturday said the Fordow nuclear facility had been attacked by Israel but only sustained light damage.
"Not claiming that they have information that this is happening. But calculating that this would be an obvious move," Norman added.
Heavy traffic was seen on major highways leading out of Tehran on Sunday, including roads toward Saveh in the southwest and Mashhad in the east, as residents appeared to flee the capital, according to videos received by Iran International.
One video showed congestion on the Tehran–Saveh road, while another, captured similar scenes on the Tehran–Mashhad route.
The apparent exodus follows reports by Israel’s Channel 14 that the Israeli military has launched a strike plan designed to trigger mass civilian evacuations from Tehran.
According to the report, the operation, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Katz, involves targeting sites linked to the Iranian government in an effort to apply pressure through psychological and logistical disruption.
