Iran - June 2025

Between 13 and 24 June, Israel launched a major air offensive against Iran, killing at least 935 people, including women and children, and injuring thousands of others. The airstrikes, which Israeli authorities claimed aimed to target nuclear facilities, hit critical infrastructure, including seven medical centres, as well as water and energy facilities, causing blackouts and fuel shortages, and limiting access to medical care. A 23 June strike on Evin Prison killed at least 70 people, including inmates, staff and civilians. The attacks caused mass displacement, with hundreds of thousands fleeing cities like Tehran. The United States also launched a strike on a nuclear facility on 22 June. The United Nations condemned these actions as serious violations of international law. A ceasefire between Israel and Iran was reached on 24 June.

*Since the impact of these events are felt primarily in Iran, they are coded in the entries for the latter. While they are not coded for Israel, it is Israeli action that causes the effects on democracy in Iran.

Sources: Associated Press, Arab News, The New Arab, Middle East Eye, United Nations (1), United Nations (2)