Monday June 23: Iran launched an attack on an American base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East. The strike came as retaliation for three U.S strikes on critical nuclear sites in Iran. Qatar said its air defenses deflected the missiles and condemned the Iranian attack.
Sunday June 22: Israel killed an Iranian commander on Day Nine of conflict, and Israeli fighter jets struck infrastructure in southwestern Iran.
Saturday June 21: President Donald Trump described U.S. military strikes on three nuclear sites as a “spectacular military success” and continued his statement by condemning the facilities as “completely and totally obliterated” in a press release from the White House on Saturday night.
Learn what sparked the latest escalation, how each side is responding, and what it could mean for the region and global diplomacy.
Background: The Nuclear Treaty Framework
The Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT), an international pact to promote disarmament, is at the heart of recent military escalations between Iran and Israel . Israel is not a party to the NPT and does not adhere to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines for its nuclear activity. Iran has been a party to the NPT since 1970, but has been found out of compliance with the NPT and IAEA guidelines.
Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers—known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) —aimed to cap uranium enrichment at 3.67% and reduce stockpiles. After the U.S. withdrew troops in 2017, however, Iran began to ramp up enrichment to 60%. In early 2025, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence testified that Iran’s uranium stockpiles had reached high levels, but that intelligence agencies continued to “assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon.”
On June 13, Israeli airstrikes damaged Iranian nuclear sites. Iran struck back hours later, deeming Israel’s strikes a declaration of war. After several days of strikes, Iran’s Parliament is now considering a bill to leave the NPT altogether. If enacted, this would mark a significant shift in Iran’s legal commitment to nonproliferation.
The Lead-Up to June 23
Aerial Campaign & Retaliations
Israel launched surprise airstrikes on June 13 targeting nuclear facilities (Natanz, Parchin, and other military sites), reportedly eliminating top military figures and nuclear scientists. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli intelligence and urban centers including Tel Aviv and Haifa.
In an interview with NBC News, Iran’s foreign minister shared doubts regarding the U.S loyalty in negotiations amid a two-week window offered by Trump for communication with Iran.
Casualties & Human Impact
Israel reports at least 24 people have been killed in Iranian attacks on the state, with more than 200 wounded in the strike that hit Soroka Hospital. At least 639 people have been killed or missing in Iran, according to Al Jazeera, in two weeks of conflict.
Evacuation orders were issued in Tehran and northern Israel. Thousands in Tehran are fleeing amid rising civilian alarm. Missile interceptions reported to be visible over Tel Aviv by the Iron Dome, Israel’s missile defense system.
Treaty Tensions
Iran’s Parliament is drafting legislation to withdraw from the NPT—a move described in June 2018 as “preparatory works for a possible scenario,” stating that Iran will not engage in “any activities contrary to the JCPOA” at that time. The IAEA has reported significant damage to nuclear-related sites located in Arak, Esfahan, Natanz, and Tehran, determining potential radiological contamination.
Global & Regional Response
Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy reaffirmed a hard line—stating the situation in Iran and the Middle East “remains perilous.” “We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon,” said Lammy in a continued discussion held in Geneva after a visit to Washington Thursday.
Economic Repercussions
Jack Janasiewicz, portfolio manager at Natixis Investment Managers in Boston states in an interview interview: “From a U.S. perspective it’s at least a little bit more insulated because domestic producers could certainly ramp up.”Amid fears of supply disruption; equities wavered as investors sought safe-haven assets like gold and Treasuries.
Why It Matters to Citizens
Nuclear risk rises if the NPT frays—fewer limits on enrichment may lead to further regional proliferation. Civilian safety in Tehran and Israeli cities remains at risk amid strikes and retaliations.
More updates to come as conflict continues.