Israel Defense Minister Katz Orders Unprecedented Strikes Amid Iran-Israel War

On June 23, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, said, “The Iranian dictator will be punished” amid the Iran-Israel war. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched powerful airstrikes on central Tehran. These included strategic regime and symbolic targets. Katz said the strikes followed the direct orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Targets included the Basij headquarters, Evin Prison, and facilities of the Revolutionary Guards. The symbolic ‘Destruction of Israel’ clock in Palestine Square was damaged in the strike. Katz vowed continued attacks for every strike launched toward Israel. He declared that Israel would not stop until all war goals are achieved.

IDF Hits Central Tehran in Escalation of Iran-Israel War

Israel’s military struck key government targets inside Tehran with what Katz described as “unprecedented force.” The IDF’s assault reportedly hit the Basij paramilitary headquarters, Evin Prison, known for detaining political prisoners. Moreover, Revolutionary Guard intelligence hubs, the internal security command center also hit by airstrikes. Katz mentioned that the “Destruction of Israel” clock, a long-standing anti-Israel symbol, was damaged due to the attacks. Israeli forces continue targeting regime infrastructure. Katz warned the Iranian dictator, “For every shot fired at the Israeli home front, the Iranian dictator will be punished and the attacks will continue with full force.”

U.S. Uses Bunker Busters on Iran’s Fordow Facility

In a separate operation, the U.S. military bombed Iran’s Fordow uranium enrichment site on Sunday. This underground plant lies deep inside a mountain. For the first time, the U.S. used bunker-busting bombs in combat. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the significant damage. The full details on this situation still need to be confirmed. Rafael Grossi, IAEA chief, stressed the severity of the assault. This move marks a major escalation in U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel war narrative. The U.S. aims to disable Iran’s nuclear capabilities before they can threaten regional or global security.

Strait of Hormuz Blockade Threat Sparks Global Oil Fears

Iran’s Parliament has voted to close the Strait of Hormuz, pending national security approval. This waterway is vital for global oil flow. It handles 20% of the world’s crude oil shipments. The U.S. Energy Information Administration calls it the “world’s most important oil transit chokepoint.” If blocked, oil prices could skyrocket. Vandana Hari of Vanda Insights said the closure is unlikely. She warned Iran risks alienating neighbors and facing backlash. David Roche from Quantum Strategy predicted Iran could use small boats or sea mines for partial or full blockades. Goldman Sachs estimates crude prices could hit $110 per barrel if the disruption lasts a month.

Markets, Analysts React to Iran-Israel War Escalation

The global markets again pushed towards volatility as the Iran-Israel war escalated. Asian currencies weakened, especially the South Korean won and Indonesian rupiah. The Bloomberg Asian Dollar Index fell by 0.3%. Brent crude rose by 1.4%, briefly crossing $81 before settling at $78.07. U.S. crude matched the 1.4% rise, ending at $74.88. Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy warned U.S. gas prices may soon reach $3.35–$3.50 per gallon. These are sharp increases from the $3.13 average in mid-June. Analysts suggest Iran may escalate tensions gradually. Its goal could be to raise oil prices just enough to pressure the U.S., without triggering a full-scale retaliation.

Iran-Israel War Marks Dangerous New Phase

The Iran-Israel war has reached a critical tipping point. Israel’s strikes on central Tehran show its readiness for prolonged conflict. Amid these changes, the Israeli defense minister’s words hold a significant impact on war and global markets. Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise with the U.S. now actively involved. Iran’s threat to block the Hormuz Strait, rising Oil prices to peak, and global trade markets drop. Inflation and investors fear are increasing as there is no sign of restraint. Avichay Adraee, IDF Spokesperson for the Arab Media, tweeted on X, “Earlier today, the IDF attacked access roads to the Fordo enrichment site, with the aim of disrupting them.”