🚨 Escalation in Middle East: Israel Warns Tehran After Tel Aviv and Haifa Attacks 🚨

Smoke billows from the oil refinery in the city of Haifa on June 16, 2025, following a fresh barrage of Iranian missiles. — AFP

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, issued a stark warning on Monday: “Tehran’s residents will pay the price, and soon,” after Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv and Haifa before dawn, resulting in at least eight deaths.

This latest military exchange was triggered by Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on Friday, which resulted in the deaths of high-ranking commanders and scientists. Israel maintains its actions are aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran consistently denies, asserting its uranium enrichment program is solely for civilian purposes.

Key Developments:

  • Casualties:
    • Israel: Death toll rises to 23.
    • Iran: Claims 224 killed and over 1,000 injured.
  • Infrastructure Damage:
    • Fire reported at a power plant near Haifa port.
    • Residential buildings near the US Embassy branch in Tel Aviv destroyed.
  • Diplomatic Stance:
    • Iranian President reiterates Tehran’s denial of seeking nuclear weapons.
    • Reportedly, Trump vetoed a plan to target Khamenei previously; Netanyahu alleges Iran attempted to assassinate a US president twice.
  • Military Action:
    • Three more Iranian commanders killed.
    • Iran executes a man accused of spying for Mossad.

The potential for further escalation loomed over the G7 leaders’ meeting in Canada. Despite US President Donald Trump expressing hope for a resolution, the conflict continues for a fourth day.

Details of the Attacks:

  • Israel: The latest fatalities, reported by Israeli emergency services, bring the total death toll since Friday to 23. At least 100 more were wounded in Israel during the overnight attacks.
  • Iran: Israeli attacks have reportedly killed at least 224 people, including 70 women and children, with over 1,200 injured, according to the Iranian health ministry. More than 90% of the wounded were civilians, including women and children.
Smoke rises from a refinery’s compound, following Iranian missile strikes, in Haifa, Israel on June 16, 2025. — Screengrab taken from a video obtained by Reuters

The attacks are believed to be retaliation for Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Search and rescue operations are underway in Haifa, with approximately 30 people reported wounded. Fires were reported near the Haifa port. Videos show missile activity over Tel Aviv, with explosions heard in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

The Israeli military confirmed missile launches from Iran and stated that its air defenses were actively intercepting them, urging citizens to seek shelter.

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Residential buildings in Tel Aviv were heavily damaged, with damage extending to buildings near the US Embassy branch.

British maritime security firm Ambrey reported fires near the Haifa port and observed Israeli military interceptions of attacks, including impacts from two hypersonic missiles. AFP journalists reported explosions in Jerusalem and fires breaking out near Haifa following Iranian barrages.

Israeli broadcaster Kan reported that at least four areas in central Israel were hit, including areas near Shuk HaCarmel market in Tel Aviv, a residential street in Petah Tikva, and a school in Bnei Brak.

Iran’s Position:

President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons but will continue its pursuit of nuclear energy and research, citing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s religious edict against weapons of mass destruction.

Despite this, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said the Iranian parliament is preparing a bill to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Pezeshkian called for unity and solidarity against Israeli aggression, emphasizing Iran’s right to nuclear energy and research. He accused the US of violating international norms by “allowing” Israel to attack Iran, maintaining that Iran has never sought war.

Pezeshkian added, “The enemy cannot remove us or our nation from the scene through violence, killings, and assassinations. For every hero who falls, hundreds more will rise to carry the flag and stand against the oppression, injustice, crimes, and betrayal committed by these aggressors.”

He also questioned the justification for the deaths of Iranian nuclear researchers killed in Israeli attacks, along with their families.

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