Iran–Israel Conflict Escalates with Renewed Strikes; Africa Watches Closely Amid G7 Alarm, Trump Evacuation Warning

By Chi Magnus | Updated: June 17, 2025 – 14:00 CEST

TEL AVIV / TEHRAN / GLOBAL —
Iran and Israel traded fresh missile and air strikes Monday and Tuesday, deepening a conflict that has triggered global diplomatic alarm and sparked emergency readiness measures among several African nations.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

• Iran launched a third wave of long-range ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa, including alleged Israeli intelligence centers.

• Israel responded with deep-strike air raids across Tehran and western Iran, targeting nuclear-linked sites and military infrastructure.

• A top Iranian general, Ali Shadmani, was killed. Israel claims to have destroyed over 120 Iranian missile launchers.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

• G7 Reaction:
  Meeting in Ottawa, the G7 issued a joint statement holding Iran responsible for “escalating regional instability.” The bloc reaffirmed support for Israel’s right to self-defense while warning both parties to avoid further military escalation.

• Trump’s Role:
  Former U.S. President Donald Trump, attending the G7 summit, abruptly exited and posted an urgent call for "immediate evacuation of Tehran", citing possible further Israeli strikes. His statement sparked concern in diplomatic circles for potentially inflaming the situation further.

• Evacuations Begin:
  China, India, and several European countries began evacuating diplomats and citizens from both Iran and Israel.
  African embassies in Tehran, Tel Aviv, and Haifa are reportedly reviewing evacuation protocols. Sources in Nairobi and Abuja suggest plans are being drafted in case of further deterioration.

AFRICAN STAKES IN THE CRISIS

• Energy Prices:
  With global crude prices surging past $118/barrel amid fears over Iranian oil disruption, oil-importing African countries—like Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa—face renewed inflationary pressure.

• Diaspora Impact:
  Thousands of African expatriates live and work in both countries. The African Union has called for restraint, and South Africa’s Department of International Relations says it is “monitoring with concern the safety of nationals in the region.”

• Diplomatic Positioning:
  Several North and West African nations—including Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria—have issued statements urging adherence to international law. Others, like Ethiopia and Ghana, remain silent, reportedly awaiting AU direction.

ON THE GROUND

• Tehran:
  Explosions near state media buildings during a live broadcast caused panic. Roads out of the capital are reportedly jammed, with Iran issuing partial city evacuations and jamming airspace to prevent Israeli drones.

• Israel:
  While the Iron Dome intercepted dozens of incoming threats, some missiles hit coastal installations in Haifa, causing structural damage. Civil defense units remain on alert in Tel Aviv, though no new casualties have been confirmed since Monday.

GEOPOLITICAL RIPPLE EFFECT

• Russia and China have both criticized the Israeli strikes as “disproportionate,” while Moscow accuses Israel of rejecting ceasefire channels.

• Arab and Islamic nations—including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar—issued a joint statement warning of “severe consequences” if hostilities continue, echoing calls to respect Iran’s sovereignty.

• Jewish diaspora communities, especially in Europe and North America, have increased security measures around synagogues and cultural centers.

WHAT’S NEXT

• More strikes are expected if no diplomatic breakthrough occurs. Israel has vowed to continue military operations until Iran’s long-range threat is “permanently neutralized.”

• G7 nations are pressing for UN action, while France and Turkey are reportedly working behind the scenes on mediation.

• The African Union is scheduled to convene an emergency session this week to evaluate economic and humanitarian implications for the continent.

BOTTOM LINE

This is no longer a regional crisis—it’s a global flashpoint with direct consequences for Africa’s economies, diplomacy, and diaspora. As airstrikes ripple across Tehran and Tel Aviv, the international community faces mounting pressure to prevent a regional war from becoming a global catastrophe.