Israel & USA / Iran
The current situation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel remains a matter of acute international concern, with recent developments indicating a significant escalation in direct and indirect hostilities.
Following a prolonged period of strained relations after the collapse of the JCPOA in 2018, official channels of communication between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran were re-established in early 2025, initiated by diplomatic outreach from the U.S. administration. These communications aimed to explore the possibility of re-establishing a negotiated framework. Despite these efforts, no formal agreement has yet been reached. Israel continues to assert that Iran’s nuclear activities represent a fundamental security threat, while Iran maintains that its program is for peaceful purposes.
Concurrently, recent Israeli military operations, initiated under the justification of preemptive security measures have significantly escalated tensions. Israel has referenced the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) report released on June 12, which highlighted Iran’s past material breaches of its commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) during the early 2000s, as justification for its recent military actions. Notably, The Chief of IAEA, Rafael Grossi, has reiterated that the IAEA has found no credible indication of an active, coordinated weapons programme in Iran, affirming that there is no proof it is building nuclear weapons. The IAEA itself has not endorsed the characterization of the report as grounds for immediate emergency measures.
Following Israel initial attacks, the immediate retaliatory missile and drone attacks launched by Iran have further intensified the conflict. This dynamic has increased the risk of unintended incidents and broader conflict, with repercussions that extend beyond the immediate parties involved. Remarkably, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday 17th of June 2025 praised Israel for being ‘courageous enough’ to strike Iran’s nuclear site, describing it as the ‘dirty work’ done on behalf of the West. Regional stability remains fragile, as heightened hostilities may also embolden proxy groups and complicate efforts by international actors to promote de-escalation.
The World Embassy Desk (WED) urges the international community, particularly those states offering political support or justification, to pursue de-escalation and to clearly condemn the attack as a violation of international law and Iranian sovereignty, in line with the rule of law as enshrined in the UN Charter and the principles of international humanitarian law.
June 23. 2025: United States Air Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities
On 21–22 June 2025, United States military forces conducted precision air strikes on three nuclear facilities located in the Islamic Republic of Iran (Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan). The U.S. government has stated the objective was to degrade Iran’s nuclear enrichment capability and to pre-empt further proliferation risks. According to official U.S. sources, the strikes were executed with a combination of long-range bombers and cruise missiles, described as a limited and targeted operation. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the attacks but reported minimal structural impact. Iranian leadership has condemned the operation as an act of aggression and indicated the right to self-defense. Iran has remained engaged with the E3/EU partners in efforts to reinitiate negotiations. However, these diplomatic efforts have been adversely affected by the recent use of force by the United States, which has complicated the prospects for constructive dialogue.
The situation has significantly heightened regional tension, particularly in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime security remains a strategic concern. Several neighboring states have raised military readiness levels amid concerns of potential retaliatory action or miscalculation. While no direct U.S. or Iranian military casualties have been reported to date, there has been a noticeable uptick in missile and rocket activity attributed to Iranian-aligned non-state actors along Israel’s northern and eastern borders. The World Embassy Desk note with concern that this escalation risks broadening the conflict’s scope and increasing the likelihood of inadvertent regional spillover.
The World Embassy Desk affirms that The U.S. strikes lack a formal legal basis under international law, as no justification has been submitted under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Article 51 of the UN Charter permits the use of force in self-defense solely in response to an armed attack, or in circumstances where such an attack is clearly imminent. No such conditions were present at the time of the operation. While the United States has referred to self-defense in public statements, senior administration officials have acknowledged that the evidence of imminence was inconclusive and internally contested. The White House did not produce a formal legal justification referencing a specific threat, and multiple U.S. officials, legal scholars, and independent analysts have assessed the rationale as inconsistent with established principles of international law. Furthermore the operation was carried out unilaterally, without Security Council authorization, and violating Article 2(4) which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. The World Embassy Desk further condemns the selective enforcement of legal norms, which undermines the integrity of the international legal system.
Updated Casualty Report – June 18, 2025
As of June 18, the conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, underscoring the escalating humanitarian impact and legal concerns. According to reports, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 585 individuals across Iran, including 239 civilians and 126 security personnel. In Israel, retaliatory missile strikes from Iran have led to the deaths of 24 individuals and injuries to over 600 others.
June 13, 2025: Israel Conducts Initial Strikes on Iranian Territory as Regional Tensions Escalate
On the morning of June 13, 2025, Israel launched a coordinated military operation dubbed “Operation Rising Lion”, targeting more than 100 strategic sites across Iran. These included nuclear enrichment facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Tehran, as well as air defense systems, missile depots, and military command centers. The strikes also resulted in significant civilian casualties, including women and children.
While Israel justified the June 13 strikes as an effort to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat, the operation also targeted senior military commanders beyond this stated rationale. Among those targeted was Ali Shamkhani, Iran’s wartime chief of staff and a key figure known for advocating for far-reaching curbs on Iran’s nuclear program. Shamkhani had reportedly expressed willingness to significantly reduce Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of a potential agreement with the United States. The decision to strike such a prominent official engaged in diplomatic efforts raises serious questions about the true objectives of the operation. Targeting individuals involved in potential negotiation processes undermines prospects for peaceful resolution and further complicates an already fragile regional security environment. Furthermore, targeting leaders responsible for Iran’s air defense and UAV forces represents a significant overreach that challenges established norms of self-defense under international law.
Following the strikes, Iran promptly notified the United Nations Security Council, invoking its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Tehran condemned the Israeli operation as a violation of its sovereignty and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for what it described as unprovoked aggression. In response, Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks against several military targets in Israel within 48 hours.
While most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, many penetrated the shield and struck military installations and infrastructure, causing material damage and casualties. Iran maintained that these actions were a legitimate exercise of self-defense. These developments have further intensified regional tensions and prompts renewed calls from global actors for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation.