TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated into open warfare. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a massive airstrike on more than 12 strategic locations in Iran through Operation Rising Lion. Iran retaliated with an operation named Operation True Promise III.
The mutual attacks continued daily. As of June 17, there were no signs of the conflict between the two countries subsiding. Loss of life, injuries, and infrastructure damage occurred on both sides.
In terms of casualties, the strength of the attacks by both countries appears to be uneven. More fatalities and injuries occurred in Iran compared to Israel.
As of Monday, June 17, Israel's attacks on Iran reportedly resulted in approximately 224 deaths and between 1,481 and 1,500 injuries. Around 90 percent of the casualties were civilians. Iran's attack on Israel resulted in about 18 deaths and between 140 and 200 injuries. The majority of the casualties were also civilians.
This comparison raises the question: why are there significantly higher casualties in Iran? What is the nature of the attacks by both countries? The explanation is provided below:
Characteristics of Israel's Attacks
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Israel used a combination of advanced technology, deep intelligence, and precision strategies to penetrate Iran's air defense system. More than 200 fighter jets were involved in the attack, dropping over 330 ammunitions on approximately 100 critical targets across Iran.
The highly accurate targeting and use of attacking drones overwhelmed Iran's forces. Nuclear facilities, the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as the residences of scientists and high-ranking commanders were the main targets. Several key figures such as IRGC Commander Hossein Salami and nuclear scientist Fereydoon Abbasi were killed in the attack.
Israel's strategy also included radar jamming, stealth, and phased attacks to exhaust Iran's defense system. This approach successfully destroyed critical infrastructure and caused significant damage, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Characteristics of Iran's Attacks
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Al Jazeera, in Operation True Promise III, Iran launched over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 drones to various areas of Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The main targets were military installations and intelligence infrastructure in Israel, but some missiles also hit civilian settlements.
Although Iran managed to penetrate part of Israel's defense system, the majority of their attacks were intercepted by the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow defense systems. According to IDF reports, out of approximately 270 missiles launched by Iran, only about 22 successfully penetrated Israel's defense and caused damage or casualties.
Despite failing to create significant physical impact, Iran's attacks had a strong symbolic effect. They demonstrated their ability to respond rapidly and put pressure on Israel, even under less than ideal conditions.
Why Are There Far More Casualties in Iran?
Several factors contribute to the significantly higher number of casualties in Iran compared to Israel. Based on analyses by various media outlets, including DW, Al Jazeera, and Daily Star, four factors stand out:
Differences in Air Defense Technology
Israel possesses one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world. The Iron Dome system, designed to intercept short and medium-range missiles, successfully halted a large portion of Iran's attacks. Additionally, the David's Sling and Arrow systems are used to counter long-range missiles, providing multi-layered protection.
On the other hand, Iran's air defense system failed to repel Israel's precision attacks. Despite having the Russian S-300 system and local defense missiles, Iran struggled to counter Israel's layered and phased aerial strikes. The combination of deep intelligence and superior technology allowed Israel to easily breach Iran's air defense.
Scale and Intensity of Attacks
Israel's attacks were full-scale offensives launched in large volumes within a short period. They were meticulously planned and precise. Over 330 bombs and missiles were dropped in a short time, causing massive damage in various locations. Their focus on strategic military targets in urban areas increased the risk to civilians.
Meanwhile, Iran's attacks were reactive and defensive. Despite being launched in large numbers, their effectiveness was limited as most attacks were intercepted by Israel's defense systems.
Geographic Location and Population Density
Many of Israel's targets are located in densely populated urban areas such as Tehran, Isfahan, and Tabriz. The massive aerial attacks caused large explosions and bomb fragments that damaged civilian buildings and public infrastructure. Nuclear facilities near settlements were also targeted, increasing the risk to civilians.
In Israel, military installations are usually located far from densely populated areas. Additionally, early warning systems and routine evacuation drills make Israeli civilians more prepared to face missile threats. Bunkers and shelters are also widely available, minimizing the number of casualties.
Civil Defense Infrastructure
Israel has a highly mature civil defense system. Every household has access to shelters, automatic warning sirens are distributed nationwide, and residents are trained to react quickly in emergency situations. This helps to mitigate the direct impact of Iran's airstrikes.
Iran lacks a comprehensive civil defense system. Despite having a strong military capacity, their civil defense infrastructure is still lacking. Civilians do not have enough time or means to protect themselves from sudden massive aerial attacks.
Conclusion
The conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025 not only confirms the geopolitical rivalry between the two countries but also reflects fundamental differences in military capacity and civil defense. The variance in casualties in this conflict indicates who holds the upper hand. Israel demonstrates formidable dominance and possesses a more robust civil defense system. Their capability to inflict destruction on their adversaries will become even more formidable if the United States, their ally, becomes directly involved or provides direct support to their actions.
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