CJPME Factsheet 251, published June 2025: Amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding its nuclear program, Israel launched airstrikes on June 13, 2025, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and civilian infrastructure. Without evidence, Israel claimed the assault was a “pre-emptive” measure to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. In the first week alone, Israel’s strikes have killed hundreds of Iranian civilians.^[1] Iran responded with ballistic missile attacks, triggering a series of escalating exchanges which could lead to a catastrophic regional war.