On June 18, 2025, powerful explosions rocked the Tehran suburb of Karaj, the latest episode in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. According to international media, Israeli aircraft struck a strategically important target, but its exact nature remains a matter of debate. Some sources claim that the target was the TESA complex, which produces centrifuges for enriching uranium, a key element of Iran's nuclear program. Others report that the attack targeted a base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is responsible for Iran's military operations abroad and the protection of its domestic system of power. There is no official confirmation of either version yet, but the strike underscores Israel's determination to inflict maximum damage on Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure.

The conflict, which began on June 13 with surprise Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, including the Natanz nuclear plant and military bases in Tabriz and Isfahan, has rapidly escalated. More than 224 people have been killed in five days of Israeli attacks, including senior military officials and two leading nuclear scientists, according to Iran’s Health Ministry. Iran has responded with a barrage of rockets, firing some 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones into Israel. Despite the IRGC’s claims of “full control over Israel’s skies,” Israeli air defenses intercepted most of the attacks, although 35 missiles hit their targets, damaging infrastructure and killing 24 civilians.

Amid the escalation, US President Donald Trump issued a strong statement, demanding “unconditional surrender” from Iran. In a post on the Truth Social platform, he wrote: “It’s simple — Tehran must surrender,” adding that the US knows the location of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but “has no intention of eliminating him yet.” According to the Israeli publication Israel Hayom, Trump’s ultimatum includes a demand that Iran accept preconditions for nuclear talks that include a complete cessation of uranium enrichment. If Trump refuses, sources say he may begin coordinating with Israel to achieve a ceasefire, which, however, does not rule out further military action.

Earlier, in May 2025, Trump rejected Israeli plans to attack Iranian nuclear facilities, insisting on a diplomatic solution. The Oman-brokered talks have stalled over fundamental differences: the US and Israel demand the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, while Tehran insists on its right to peaceful use of nuclear energy.