The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated sharply June 16 as Israeli airstrikes struck central Tehran, responding to a deadly Iranian missile barrage and ushering in a new round of attacks as the conflict entered its fourth day.
The strikes followed evacuation warnings Israel issued earlier that day, including for the vicinity of Iran’s state-run television headquarters. Hours later, during a live broadcast, an explosion struck the studio, knocking out the studio’s backdrop as dust and debris filled the room. The reporter fled the frame, and the feed abruptly cut to pre-recorded programming.
The strikes came just hours after a new wave of Iranian missile attacks killed at least eight Israeli civilians and wounded dozens more. In response, Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin announced in a press briefing that Israel had gained “full aerial superiority over Tehran.”
“The wave of strikes last night opened with targeted strikes by air defense arrays designed to protect the centers of power of the Iranian army and a thorn force in the heart of Iran,” Defrin added.
Iranian state media reported that at least 224 Iranians had been killed since Israel began bombing on June 13, and Israeli officials say 24 have died in retaliatory attacks by Iran.
Calls for de-escalation and diplomacy have begun to mount among US officials and religious leaders.
“Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal,” President Donald Trump wrote in a June 15 Truth Social post. “Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”
In a June 13 X post, Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver urged Catholics to “pray ever more fervently for peace in the Middle East!” and added, “Lord, grant us the grace to be peacemakers, respecting the dignity of every human being from conception to natural death.”
That same day, Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan of the Latins, issued a message of hope and a plea for peace.
“At times doors may seem closed, but there are still people who remain connected, who pray even in front of those doors,” Cardinal Mathieu said, according to Vatican News. “Many things cannot be resolved except through prayer.”