Israel-Iran Conflict LIVE: Iran’s new wartime chief of staff killed, says Israeli military amid fresh trade of strikes

The long-standing tension between Israel and Iran has escalated sharply in recent days, marking a new and deadly chapter in a conflict that has simmered beneath the surface for years. On June 17, 2025, the Israeli military confirmed it had killed Iran’s newly appointed wartime chief of staff, Ali Shadmani, in a precise airstrike deep within Tehran. This strike represents a significant escalation in the conflict and signals Israel’s determination to cripple Iran’s military leadership amid an intensifying cycle of retaliatory attacks.

Targeted Killings in Tehran: A Blow to Iranian Command

Ali Shadmani, known to be a close confidant of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, assumed his role as wartime chief of staff only recently. His sudden death came just days after Israel announced the killing of Iran’s top military official, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, in a similar strike on June 13. These assassinations mark a rare and bold Israeli move to eliminate high-ranking Iranian military figures inside the heart of Iran’s capital, showcasing both their intelligence capabilities and operational reach.

According to the Israeli military, the strike against Shadmani was conducted after “precise intelligence” and capitalized on a “sudden opportunity” to deliver a decisive blow to Iran’s command structure. Iranian state media confirmed his death, describing it as a significant loss for the country’s military hierarchy.

A Rising Toll: Casualties Mount Amid Fierce Retaliation

The conflict has now entered its fifth day, with casualties mounting on both sides. Iranian officials report that at least 224 people, mostly civilians, have been killed as a result of Israeli airstrikes targeting military and strategic infrastructure across Tehran and other regions. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have confirmed 24 civilian deaths from Iranian missile attacks.

The violence has expanded beyond targeted killings to an increasingly destructive exchange of missile fire. Israel has focused its military efforts on disabling Iran’s military infrastructure and weapons storage sites, aiming to degrade Tehran’s ability to coordinate and launch attacks. Conversely, Iran has responded with missile barrages targeting Israeli cities, seeking to pressure Israel politically and militarily.

The attacks have caused widespread destruction and fear among civilians in both countries, with reports of damaged homes, disrupted utilities, and emergency services stretched thin. Hospitals in Tehran and Israeli border towns have been overwhelmed by the influx of casualties.

Regional and Global Repercussions: The Middle East on Edge

The escalating violence has sent shockwaves throughout the Middle East and beyond. Neighboring countries have expressed deep concern over the potential for the conflict to spiral into a full-scale regional war. The volatile situation threatens to destabilize already fragile alliances and could draw in other actors, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and various militias aligned with Iran in Syria and Iraq.

Internationally, the conflict has sparked calls for de-escalation and diplomatic intervention. The United Nations has urged restraint from both sides and called for immediate humanitarian aid to civilians caught in the crossfire. Meanwhile, the United States and European nations are closely monitoring the situation, with some beginning to prepare for the evacuation of their citizens from the region.

Trump’s Call for Evacuation and Military Action

In the midst of the crisis, former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly urged the evacuation of Tehran’s nine million residents to prevent further civilian casualties. He has also advocated for intensified military strikes against Iranian military sites to weaken Tehran’s war-fighting capabilities. Trump’s comments, made during a recent media appearance, have sparked debate in U.S. political circles regarding the balance between military action and diplomatic solutions.

The current U.S. administration has increased the presence of naval and air forces in the region as a deterrent, signaling strong support for Israel while maintaining open channels for diplomatic engagement. European countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have also begun organizing evacuations of their nationals from Iran and Israel.

Signs of Diplomacy Amid Rising Tensions

Despite the relentless violence, there are tentative signs of potential diplomatic openings. Iranian officials have indicated a willingness to engage in U.S.-brokered negotiations, a move that could offer a pathway to de-escalation. While hardliners within Iran’s political and military establishments remain opposed to any talks perceived as capitulating to Israeli or Western pressure, there is growing recognition that continued conflict may bring catastrophic consequences.

Efforts to mediate have also emerged from regional powers and international organizations. Countries like Oman and Switzerland have offered to facilitate back-channel talks, leveraging their neutral diplomatic positions. Additionally, the United Nations and European Union have called for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of dialogue.

The Human Cost: Civilians Caught in the Crossfire

Amid the geopolitical maneuvering and military strikes, the most tragic aspect of this conflict remains the human toll. In Tehran and Israeli cities under missile threat, civilians face constant danger and disruption to daily life. Hospitals struggle with shortages of medical supplies and personnel, while emergency responders work under dangerous conditions.

Families have been displaced from their homes, schools have closed, and essential infrastructure such as water and electricity have been intermittently cut off. Humanitarian organizations are racing to provide aid but face challenges due to ongoing hostilities and restricted access.

The international community has called for the protection of civilian lives in accordance with international humanitarian law. However, the intensity of the fighting and the strategic nature of the strikes complicate these efforts.

What Lies Ahead: Uncertain Future in a Volatile Region

As Israel and Iran continue their deadly tit-for-tat exchanges, the risk of wider regional conflict grows. Both nations appear entrenched in their positions, with Israel determined to undermine Iran’s military leadership and Iran retaliating to demonstrate its resilience.

Experts warn that the conflict’s trajectory will depend heavily on whether diplomatic channels can be effectively utilized before further escalations occur. The international community’s role in facilitating dialogue and preventing the war from spreading beyond the two countries will be crucial.

In the meantime, millions of civilians remain in peril, hoping for a swift end to hostilities and a return to peace. The coming days will likely prove decisive in determining the conflict’s direction and its broader implications for Middle East stability and global security.