Israel and Iran launch strikes a week into their war as new diplomatic effort takes shape

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the Associated Press News or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The ongoing war between Israel and Iran escalated on June 20, 2025, with both countries launching airstrikes
• Israel conducted air raids on Iranian industrial and missile sites, including the SPND, linked to nuclear research
• In retaliation, Iran continued missile and drone strikes on Israel, with substantial damage and casualties reported
• U.S. President Trump is weighing military involvement, while diplomatic efforts intensify, including talks in Geneva involving Iran's Foreign Minister

🔭 The context: The conflict, ignited on June 13, has seen increasing casualties and destruction, particularly with Iran's missile attacks on Israeli civilians and Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure
• As both sides continue retaliating, international diplomatic channels, including discussions with European powers and the U.S., are looking for a potential resolution, with growing concerns over broader regional instability.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The war between Israel and Iran has significant implications for regional stability and global security, particularly given Iran's nuclear program and Israel’s unconfirmed nuclear capabilities
• The potential for wider escalation, including U.S. involvement, and the humanitarian toll on civilians, underscores the need for effective diplomacy
• The conflict’s environmental impact, including damage to infrastructure and increased military activity, further stresses the urgent need for de-escalation

⏭️ What's next: The coming weeks may see intensified military action or diplomatic breakthroughs
• Trump’s decision on U.S. military involvement could shift the conflict’s dynamics, while the talks in Geneva may yield new diplomatic initiatives aimed at defusing tensions
• The international community, especially European powers, will likely continue to push for negotiations to prevent further escalation and the potential destabilization of the Middle East

💬 One quote: “We are already helping a lot,” — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amidst the destruction caused by Iranian missiles

📈 One stat: As of June 20, at least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran, with more than 2,000 wounded since the war began on June 13

Click for more news covering the latest on public governance