18.06.2025 08:30
The Israel-Iran war continues on its sixth day with mutual airstrikes. Throughout the night, Israel heavily targeted Tehran, while Iran struck Tel Aviv. As the conflict intensifies with each passing day, Iran issued a threatening message with a nuclear warhead. Iranian state media released a video featuring an image of a miniature nuclear warhead, titled "Maybe."
The war that began with Israel's "Rising Lion" attack on June 13 and Iran's retaliation named "True Promise" has entered its sixth day.
On June 13, Israel launched extensive attacks targeting not only the nuclear facilities in various Iranian cities but also the upper command of the military. While the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards, and several senior commanders, along with 9 nuclear scientists, were killed in the attacks, the total civilian casualties were reported to be 224. In Iran's retaliation against Israel using ballistic missiles, it was reported that 24 people were killed and more than 500 were injured. Mutual attacks continued into the sixth night.
Here’s what happened in the Israel-Iran conflict last night:
NUCLEAR THREAT FROM IRAN
Iranian state media released a video featuring an image of a miniature nuclear warhead titled "Maybe."
HOW MANY NUCLEAR WARHEADS DOES EACH COUNTRY HAVE?
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) published its 2025 report titled "Armament, Disarmament, and International Security."
The USA and Russia possess approximately 90% of all nuclear weapons worldwide. While the number of deployable warheads appears to remain relatively stable in 2024, both states are conducting comprehensive modernization programs that could increase the size and diversity of their arsenals in the future. If a new agreement is not reached to limit their stockpiles, it is likely that the number of warheads deployed on strategic missiles will increase after the current agreement expires in February 2026.
USA: With a total of 5,177 nuclear warheads, it has the world's second-largest nuclear arsenal. Of these warheads, 1,770 are deployed, 1,930 are stored, and 1,477 are retired (removed from military stock but not yet dismantled). The USA continues to maintain a very high level both in the number of deployed warheads and overall.
Russia: With a total of 5,459 warheads, it ranks first in the world. 1,718 warheads are deployed, 2,591 are stored, and 1,150 are retired. Russia, which continues its modernization efforts, maintains a significant nuclear power in its inventory.
United Kingdom: The total number of nuclear warheads is recorded as 225. Of these, 120 are deployed, and 105 are stored. No information was provided on retired warheads. The country continues its plans to increase its arsenal in the near future. The Labour Party government stated during the election campaign that it would adhere to its plan to build four new 'Ballistic Missile Submarines' (SSBNs), maintain the UK's nuclear deterrent, and provide "all necessary upgrades" to the UK's nuclear arsenal in the future.
France: According to SIPRI data, it has 290 nuclear warheads, of which 10 are stored and 280 are deployed. No information on any retirements was provided. The country continued its programs to develop third-generation SSBNs and produce a new air-launched cruise missile in 2024. The renewal and upgrading of existing systems continued.
China: The number of nuclear warheads reached 600 by 2025. Only 24 of these warheads are deployed, while the remaining 576 are stored. According to SIPRI, China has become the country with the fastest-growing nuclear arsenal in the world, adding 100 new warheads to its stockpile each year since 2023. However, even if the country reaches the projected maximum of 1,500 warheads by 2035, this will still be only about one-third of the current Russian and US nuclear stockpiles.
India: The number of nuclear warheads in the country was reported to be 180. All of these are stored. In 2024, the nuclear arsenal expanded somewhat, and it is believed that India continues to develop new types of nuclear delivery systems.
Pakistan: The country's nuclear arsenal consists of 170 warheads, similar to India, and all of them are stored. Pakistan also continued to develop new delivery systems and accumulate materials necessary for nuclear weapons in 2024. The tension between India and Pakistan had raised concerns about a potential nuclear attack due to a brief armed conflict.
North Korea: According to SIPRI, the country's nuclear arsenal has reached 50 warheads. All are stored, and there is no information on deployment. North Korea is reported to be continuing to increase its nuclear capacity. According to SIPRI, the country has the capacity to produce about 40 more warheads and is believed to be accelerating the production of necessary materials.
Israel: Although it does not publicly acknowledge possessing nuclear weapons, according to SIPRI data, Israel has 90 stored nuclear warheads. It is also believed that Israel is modernizing its nuclear arsenal. In 2024, the country conducted a missile propulsion system test that could be related to the Jericho family of ballistic missiles with nuclear capabilities. Additionally, it upgraded the plutonium production reactor facility in Dimona.
ISRAEL COULD NOT STOP IRANIAN MISSILES LAST NIGHT
Following Israel's air defense systems' failure to counter missiles launched from Iran last night, it was reported that several missiles fell into Israel, causing a fire and damage to a building.
According to reports from the Israeli army radio, it was stated that several missiles belonging to Iran had fallen into Israel.
While the army radio did not specify the locations where the missiles fell, Israel Hayom newspaper reported that at least two missiles fell into Jerusalem and the Sharon area near Tel Aviv, according to initial assessments.
Channel 12 reported that as a result of Iran's missile attacks, damage occurred in a building in central Israel, and firefighting teams intervened in 20 vehicles that caught fire.
The report noted that missile debris fell on a building in the northern region, and numerous fires broke out in open areas due to the falling Iranian missiles or debris.
ISRAEL STRUCK A UNIVERSITY
As mutual attacks continue between Israel and Iran, Israel launched an attack on Imam Hussein University in northeastern Tehran.
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According to information obtained by AA correspondent from sources in the region, Israel attacked Imam Hussein University, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, located near the Hakimiye neighborhood in northeastern Tehran.
Smoke rose from the area following the attack.
CROWD GATHERED IN TEHRAN
Large groups in Iran's capital Tehran gathered in Palestine Square to support attacks against Israel.
Citizens who gathered at Palestine Square, located near the residence of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed their support for the country's administration.
Carrying posters of Iranian leader Khamenei and Iranian flags, citizens chanted slogans against Israel and the USA.
Despite US President Donald Trump's threat to "evacuate Tehran," it was noted that some families attended the demonstration with their children. Some police and soldiers were also seen participating in the protests.
IRAN ISSUED A WARNING FOR TEL AVIV
After Israel announced an evacuation notice for a region in Tehran, the Iranian army also issued an evacuation warning for the Never Tzedek area in Tel Aviv.
The Iranian army announced an evacuation notice for the "Zionist" settlement unit Never Tzedek in Tel Aviv.
The announcement stated, "The occupiers must immediately leave this occupied area."
The Israeli army had previously issued an evacuation notice for the 18th District south of Tehran and announced that it would attack this area.
ISRAEL STRUCK TEHRAN
The Israeli army announced that it has launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iran's capital, Tehran.
A brief written statement from the Israeli army stated, "The Israeli Air Force is currently conducting a series of attacks in the Tehran region."
Shortly before this statement, the Israeli army had threatened an attack and requested the evacuation of a wide area in Tehran.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army continued its attacks throughout the day, primarily targeting Tehran and various locations in Iran.
KHAMENEI: WE WILL NOT NEGOTIATE WITH ZIONISTS
Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that they will continue to respond to Israel's attacks and will never negotiate with them.
A post was made in Arabic on Khamenei's social media platform X account.
The post stated, "The terrorist Zionist regime must be fought with determination. We will never negotiate with the Zionists."
CLAIM THAT IRAN MAY MINE THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ
It has been claimed that Iran may mine the Strait of Hormuz in the event of a US attack on its nuclear facilities.
According to a report by the American New York Times (NYT), based on unnamed US officials, new assessments regarding the conflict that began with Israel's attacks on Iran were shared.
US officials indicated in the report that they believe Iran would start mining the Strait of Hormuz in the event of a possible US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.
The same report noted that it is also expected that Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen will begin attacking ships in the Red Sea and some US bases in the region.
GAS PRICES ON THE RISE
Following the conflict that began with Israel's attacks on Iran, there is a rising trend in European gas prices due to concerns that LNG supply may be jeopardized in the Strait of Hormuz.
At the TTF, the Netherlands-based virtual natural gas trading hub with the deepest liquidity in Europe, gas prices for July futures contracts rose to 39.7 euros per megawatt-hour, reaching the highest level seen since early April.
Prices increased by approximately 3% compared to yesterday's closing and are about 8% above pre-conflict levels.
IRAN LAUNCHED A RETALIATORY ATTACK WITH 25 MISSILES
As Israel continued its attacks, Iran carried out a new retaliatory strike with around 25 missiles in two consecutive attacks.
According to reports in the Israeli press, a new missile attack was carried out from Iran to northern and central Israel.
After alarms were activated in the north and center of the country, Israeli air defense systems attempted to intercept approximately 25 missiles launched from Iran in two waves.
About 15 missiles were launched at Israel in the first wave, and 10 in the second.
Some of the Iranian missiles targeted the capital, Tel Aviv.
In a report by Israel's Channel 12 television, it was stated that a building was damaged due to a missile hitting in the center of the country, and shrapnel hit a building in the northern region.
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