Iran's Fatah missiles wreak havoc, Israel blows up Tehran's oil depot: What is the next twist in the fire of Middle East war?
Details of Iran's Fatah missile and attack
Iran fired more than 100 ballistic missiles and drones at Israel on June 14 and 15, including Fatah-1 hypersonic missiles. These missiles have a speed of up to 15 Mach (18,500 km/h), which are capable of dodging Israel's Iron Dome. According to a Reuters report, the Bajan oil refinery in Haifa and an 8-story building in Tel Aviv were targeted, killing 8 people and injuring 150.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claimed that these attacks were a response to the attacks on Israel's Natanz nuclear facility and Defense Ministry on June 13. Iran described it as part of 'Operation True Promise 3'. IRNA confirmed that a fire broke out in an open zone in Tel Aviv, and Ben Gurion Airport was temporarily closed.
Israeli attack: Devastation in Tehran and Bushehr
Israel used 200 F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles to target Tehran's Shahran oil depot and Bushehr refinery. According to the New York Times, 230 people were killed in these attacks, including 60 civilians and 20 children. Satellite images show the Shahran depot in complete ruins.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that the Natanz uranium enrichment plant and missile bases in Tabriz and Kermanshah were destroyed. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said, "We have weakened Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities by 70%." However, Iran claimed that its air defense systems destroyed 40% of the missiles.
Cases of losses
- Iran: 230 deaths, including IRGC commander Hossein Salami and 6 nuclear scientists. Heavy damage to Natanz, Shahran depot, and Bushehr refinery. 20% reduction in oil production.
- Israel: 8-14 deaths, 150 injured. Damage to Haifa refinery and buildings in Tel Aviv. Ben Gurion airport closed.
Impact on India
This war has increased India's concerns. Oil prices reached $ 80 per barrel, which is expected to increase the prices of petrol-diesel and cooking gas. The Indian rupee slid to 86.20, and the stock market fell by 2%. Haifa port, which is operated by the Adani Group, and Chabahar port are under threat.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued advisories for 18,000 and 5,000-10,000 Indians living in Israel and Iran. Indian students studying at Tehran University were moved to safer places.
What will happen next?
- Threat of regional war: Hezbollah and Houthi rebels, along with Iran, intensified attacks on Israel. The threat of closure of the Strait of Hormuz could put global oil supplies in jeopardy.
- Diplomatic efforts: India, Russia, and the United Nations urged both sides to exercise restraint. PM Modi spoke to Netanyahu, stressing on peace. However, US President Donald Trump supported Israel, which could escalate tensions.
- Iran's next move: Experts believe Iran could use its Fatah-2 missiles, which have a range of 1,800 km and greater accuracy.
- Israeli strategy: Netanyahu hinted at targeting Khamenei, fuelling speculation of a regime change.
Global reaction
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both countries to stop the attacks. Russia and China supported Iran, while the US and Britain supported Israel. Japan condemned the Israeli attacks. Some posts on X claimed Iran could test nuclear weapons, but this is unconfirmed.
Conclusion
Iran's Fatah missiles and Israeli air strikes have thrown the Middle East into the fire of war. Refineries in Tehran and Haifa lie in ruins, and neither country is ready to back down. Economic and diplomatic pressure is mounting on countries like India. Will this war spread globally, or will diplomacy find a way out? The next few days will determine the course of this crisis.
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