Israel expands military operation against Iran
In a relentless three-day affair, Tel Aviv and Tehran have been exchanging rocket and drone fire, marking a grim unprecedented escalation that has claimed hundreds of lives, mostly in Iran. By the evening of June 16, the Iranian Ministry of Health reported 224 deaths, including numerous children, and at least 1277 injured Iranians. Precautions for civilians appear scarce, with an estimated 90% of casualties being non-combatants.
Israel's attacks, as detailed by The Guardian, targeted Iran's energy infrastructure and Ministry of Defense. The following day brought a rare daytime air raid by Israeli forces, followed by a barrage of at least 70 Iranian rockets — some of which penetrated Israel's air-defense system and struck a major oil refinery in Haifa. Four citizens of Bat Yam were killed in the ensuing Iranian retaliation, while more than 14 Israelis lost their lives, with three still missing and hundreds more injured.
Israeli military officials claim that contemporary PVO systems worldwide combined cannot intercept the number of Iranian rockets fired during the past two nights. Within this timeframe, Iranian forces have launched around 270 rockets, with 22 interceptions unsuccessful.
Tel Aviv notes that the nation has weathered one of its most intense missile attacks in historical confrontations with Iran and other Arab nations. "Iran will pay a hefty price for the deliberate murder of civilian men, women, and children," declared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Iran continues to sustain heavy casualties among high-ranking military officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Sunday airstrike reportedly claimed the life of the IRGC's intelligence department head, Major-General Mohammad Kazeem, alongside two other senior officers: Hassan Mohaqqam and Mohsen Bagheri, now widely remembered in Tehran as martyrs. Israeli officials claim that the identified targets within Iran have been neutralized, suggesting a decapitation of Iran's military leadership. Furthermore, multiple Iranian nuclear scientists were also thought to be among the casualties of these Israeli attacks.
By Saturday evening, according to an Army of Defense Israel (IDF) representative, Israeli air forces conducted nighttime rocket-bombing raids targeting Iranian missile launch sites.
Following the elimination of dozens of Iranian generals and nuclear scientists, as well as successful attacks on critical components of Iran's nuclear program, Israel has expanded its military campaign. Currently, a growing number of strikes focus on Iran's energy infrastructure. Notable facilities under attack include an oil refinery in the coastal province of Bushehr and the world's largest gas field at South Pars.
The IDF spokesperson announced that Israeli forces will continue to attack "dual-use" targets in the coming days, with a particular emphasis on Iranian missiles, which they estimate numbered around 2,000 prior to the recent events.
Despite the losses and threats of further reprisals, Iranian officials also express a readiness to negotiate the ongoing conflict at the table. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran is prepared to halt its attacks on Israel if Israeli forces cease their attacks on Iranian cities.
War-and-conflicts continue to dominate general-news as Israel and Iran's escalating tensions rally global attention. Politicians and military officials alike are urging both parties to engage in diplomatic talks to prevent further loss of life, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi suggesting a ceasefire if Israeli attacks on Iranian cities come to a halt.
