Explosions were heard in Tehran early Wednesday as intense Israeli airstrikes again targeted Iran’s capital in a conflict that a human rights group said had killed at least 585 people across Iran and wounded 1,

The Israel-Iran conflict has claimed hundreds of lives and injured thousands. This article explores the reasons behind the higher number of casualties in Iran compared to Israel.

Intense Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s capital early Wednesday in a conflict that a human rights group said had killed at least 585 people and wounded 1,326.

Many of those confirmed dead were women and children, according to the authorities, although they have yet to publicly name all of the victims.

A massive plume of smoke rose over central Israel`s Herzliya city on June 17 after an Iranian missile strike amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Air raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv as explosions rocked the area.

Amid rising tensions, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declared “the battle begins” after launching missile strikes on Israel. The statement followed U.S. President Trump’s call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.

The intensifying conflict has heightened fears of a protracted all-out war and widespread instability in the region.

As tensions escalate, Iran and Israel bring distinct military strengths to the conflict. Iran fields a larger force and relies on regional proxies, ballistic missiles, and drone warfare. Meanwhile, Israel has a smaller but advanced military,

Ali Shamkhani, a member of the Expediency Discernment Council of Iran was seriously injured but is still alive, Iran said, and the status of Dr. Abdolhamid Minouchehr, the head of nuclear engineering at Iran's Shahid Beheshti University, is yet to be confirmed.

The intensity of Iran’s barrages seems to waning as it uses up its stock. Israel, meantime, is running through its supply of expensive missile interceptors.

Israel's military said on Tuesday it had killed Ali Shadmani, who it identified as Iran's armed forces' chief of staff and said was the most senior military commander. (Reporting by Jana Choukeir; Editing by Alex Richardson) Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.