Escalation and Ceasefire in Iran–Israel Conflict: A Full Timeline of Events

Overview

A dramatic escalation between Israel and Iran unfolded in June 2025, triggering military confrontations, regional anxiety, and international diplomatic intervention. The crisis spanned nearly two weeks and saw precision airstrikes, missile retaliation, and nuclear facility targeting—ultimately leading to a ceasefire announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump. However, the truce's implementation remains uncertain as sporadic violence continues.

Phase 1: Israeli Strikes on Iran (June 13–14)

In mid-June, Israel launched a coordinated military campaign against Iran in response to reported threats from Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. The operation targeted over 100 facilities across several Iranian provinces.

Key targets included:

• Nuclear sites: Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, Natanz Enrichment Complex, and Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center.

• Military infrastructure: Iranian air defense batteries, missile stockpiles, and command centers.

• Leadership assets: Several IRGC command facilities and personnel locations.

The Israeli assault involved a mix of aerial bombardment and sabotage. Drones and cyber methods were reportedly used by Mossad to disable key defenses and disrupt communications ahead of the strikes. Multiple Iranian scientists and IRGC officials were killed, according to regional sources.

Phase 2: Iran's Missile and Drone Retaliation (June 14)

In direct response, Iran launched a wide-scale counteroffensive using ballistic missiles and armed drones. Over 150 missiles and 100 drones were reportedly fired toward Israeli cities and military bases.

While most projectiles were intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems, some breached defenses, causing injuries to more than 20 civilians and damage to infrastructure. The Iranian strikes represented one of the largest direct attacks against Israeli territory by a foreign state in decades.

Phase 3: U.S. Military Intervention (June 21)

As tensions escalated and regional instability deepened, the United States conducted strategic airstrikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure. U.S. B‑2 stealth bombers deployed deep-penetration “bunker buster” bombs on three major facilities:

• Fordow: Known for uranium enrichment and highly secured underground bunkers.

• Natanz: Iran’s main centrifuge facility.

• Isfahan: A hub of nuclear research and storage.

Washington described the strikes as preventive measures to deter nuclear weaponization efforts. The Pentagon confirmed these were limited operations, designed to disable rather than destroy, aimed at avoiding civilian casualties.

Iran confirmed damage to infrastructure but did not disclose the full extent of the impact.

Phase 4: Ceasefire Declaration (June 23)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, serving in an unofficial diplomatic capacity, announced on Truth Social that a "complete and total ceasefire" had been agreed to by both Iran and Israel. The statement claimed the ceasefire would go into effect within hours and had been brokered through indirect channels.

Iranian sources later indicated conditional acceptance of the ceasefire, contingent on Israel halting further offensive operations. Israel's leadership did not immediately issue a formal statement confirming participation in the truce.

International observers and global markets responded swiftly:

• Oil prices fell by more than 3%, reflecting eased supply concerns.

• Stock markets rebounded in early trading on June 24, signaling investor relief at a potential de-escalation.

Phase 5: Renewed Strikes and Fragile Truce (June 24)

Despite the ceasefire announcement, violence resumed:

• Iranian missiles were launched on the morning of June 24 toward Israeli border towns, reportedly killing several civilians.

• Israeli jets carried out renewed airstrikes in and around Tehran, targeting military and command locations.

These actions were widely viewed as violations of the ceasefire. Trump responded by urging both sides to "honor the agreement," later issuing a warning specifically directed at Israel to cease attacks on the Iranian capital.

As of the latest reports, sporadic hostilities continue, although both governments have not officially abandoned the ceasefire.

International Response

The escalation has drawn sharp global attention:

• The United Nations called for immediate dialogue and restraint.

• The European Union emphasized the need for nuclear non-proliferation safeguards.

• China and Russia criticized the U.S. and Israeli involvement, urging de-escalation through multilateral diplomacy.

The situation also triggered increased military alert levels in neighboring countries including Iraq, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, due to fears of spillover conflict.

Outlook

The recent conflict marks one of the most direct military confrontations between Israel and Iran, with unprecedented targeting of nuclear infrastructure and open retaliatory missile exchanges. The ceasefire, though publicly declared, remains unstable with further violations possible.

Analysts warn that without a formal diplomatic mechanism and third-party guarantees, the risk of renewed conflict persists. For now, the region remains in a tense limbo, balancing on the edge of war and diplomacy.

Sources: BBC, Reuters, Fox News, Associated Press (publicly available reporting, factual summaries from government officials, defense analysts, and press statements).