Iran says hypersonic missiles fired at Israel
Israeli airstrikes on Tehran
Israeli warplanes targeted Tehran before dawn, striking weapons manufacturing sites and facilities used for centrifuge production. In response, Iran warned residents in Tel Aviv to prepare for potential attacks, emphasizing the threat posed by their hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles.
Military escalation and international concerns
Iran also launched a "swarm of drones" towards Israel, though the Israeli army intercepted two over the Dead Sea area. As the situation escalates, world powers are urging diplomatic solutions to prevent further conflict. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for negotiations during separate discussions with his Iranian counterpart and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
Trump's comments and military movements
Trump's remarks included threats against Iran's leadership, claiming the U.S. could easily target the supreme leader. Despite his commitment to avoid Middle Eastern conflicts, he ordered the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the region, though no decision on direct intervention has been made.
Humanitarian impact and evacuations
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports of strikes affecting residential areas in both Iran and Israel. Over 700 foreigners have evacuated from Iran, and many residents in Tehran are fleeing due to fears of violence. The U.S. is temporarily closing its embassy in Jerusalem, prompting concerns about American citizens in the area.
Nuclear facilities under threat
Israel's air campaign aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a goal Tehran denies. Recent explosions in Isfahan, home to nuclear facilities, have drawn attention, and the UN's nuclear watchdog reported impacts on Iran's Natanz enrichment facility. The conflict has disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations, with Iran refusing to engage while under attack.
Global reactions and casualties
International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasized the need for diplomacy, while criticisms of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu have surfaced. Reports indicate at least 24 fatalities in Israel and over 224 in Iran since the conflict began, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Middle East Eye
an hour ago
- Middle East Eye
Outrage after French imam danced at ‘Israeli music festival' in Paris
A French imam has sparked outrage after dancing at an event organised in support of Israel and Israeli captives in Paris. On 22 June, during 'We Will Dance Again', an Israeli music festival, Hassen Chalghoumi was spotted on a stage, dancing and surrounded by Israeli flags. The event was organised by TheTruth, an association founded to challenge 'disinformation, denigration of Israel, anti-Semitism, political Islam', according to its social media accounts. Chalghoumi's participation in the festival amid Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza and its attack on Iran caused heated reactions online, with users accusing the imam of 'celebrating genocide' and of being a 'a mouthpiece for Israel in France'. "The best location in Paris, Trocadero, opposite the Eiffel Tower," posted one user. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters "Pro-genocide activists demonstrated to express their support for Israel, the criminal child-killing state. Note the participation of Imam Chalghoumi, a fervent defender of the genocide of the Palestinians." Chalghoumi qui fête joyeusement le génocide à Gaza et les frappes sur l'Iran. Qu'il est beau notre Imam. — Réfractaire le retour 👑 (@_Refractaire_) June 22, 2025 Translation: Chalghoumi, who happily celebrates the genocide in Gaza and the strikes on Iran. How beautiful our Imam is. Some social media users highlighted that he appeared on stage alongside MP Caroline Yadan, known for her staunch support of Israel. MEE contacted Chalghoumi for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication. The festival controversy follows his recent statements backing Israel as it attacked Iran. Support for Israel When Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran on 13 June, Chalghoumi said on X that Israel was "defending itself against this terrorist octopus that oppresses its own people". 'The Israeli people are waging this fight in the name of all free peoples,' he continued. Chalghoumi, the imam of Drancy's municipal mosque near Paris, often speaks about and calls for dialogue between Muslims and Jews. 'It's high time the Muslims of France got rid of you for all the harm you've done to them' - Rima Hassan MEP But many in France's Muslim community say his advocacy strays from interreligious dialogue, and promotes Israel and Israeli talking points instead, pointing to his trips to Israel, including one where he met the Israeli army spokesperson. He also went on a trip to the occupied West Bank at the invitation of Israeli settler leaders, and has denounced boycotts of Israel, which many pro-Palestinian voices advocate as a nonviolent form of protest. On his social media account, he frequently posts against "Islamism" and warns about the alleged "infiltration and destablising" goals of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe. In a May interview, he said: "We must hunt down Islamists, in cellars, on social media and in their mosques." Chalghoumi has framed his views as a stand against 'apologia for terrorism', while critics see it as part of a pattern of silencing Palestinian and Muslim voices. His attendance at the Paris music festival is not his first controversy related to Israel's war on Gaza. In March, he publicly called for a French-Palestinian member of the European parliament, Rima Hassan, to be stripped of her French nationality, accusing her of supporting terrorism over her remarks on Hamas. Hassan responded, calling him 'illegitimate to represent Muslims in France' and added: 'It's high time the Muslims of France got rid of you for all the harm you've done to them.'
Middle East Eye
an hour ago
- Middle East Eye
Israeli press review: Fears Iran is prepared for a long war
Israelis wary of attritional war While many Israelis are celebrating Saturday night's US attack on three Iranian nuclear sites, fears are growing that Iran will drag Israel into a war of attrition where ballistic missiles will be fired for several months, according to an Army Radio report. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that his country 'will not be dragged into a war of attrition, but we will not stop this historic operation before we achieve our goals'. On Monday morning, missiles were fired again from Iran and a strategic facility of the Israel Electric Corporation near the southern city of Ashdod was hit. "Fifteen missiles were launched. This proves that Iran's launch capability has not really weakened, and they still have hundreds of mobile and stationary launchers, although the Air Force has destroyed more than 200 of them so far," journalist Yossi Melman wrote on X in response. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters 'It's a war of attrition in every respect.' According to Army Radio, senior military officials have said Israel will increase attacks on Iran to push Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei into a corner. Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert expressed reservations about the possibility that Iran would surrender in the wake of the Israeli and American attacks. "The notion that a series of pre-emptive military strikes can bring a nation of over 90m people to its knees… is arrogant and unrealistic," he wrote in the Economist. "Iran will not collapse or shatter, even after the exceptionally painful blow of the American attack. And remember, it still possesses a formidable arsenal of long- and short-range missiles." Israelis flee Tel Aviv Tel Aviv has been a ghost town since the hostilities with Iran began. The Israeli Home Front Command has ordered only essential workers to work in the commercial capital over the past week. "There is a feeling among Tel Avivians that the Iranians are aiming mainly at Tel Aviv. Therefore, many Tel Avivians have left the city," a resident told Channel 12 News. "A few days ago, I went down to the shelter of our building, and there were 10 people at most, out of a building of 12 apartments.' Many buildings in the city do not have a protected space or shelter, which has prompted people to leave after witnessing the destructive capabilities of Iranian missiles. "Most of the people in our building have left the city. Both young couples and young families,' another resident told Channel 12 News. Others choose to remain and seek shelter offered by the municipality. "We have an underground parking lot in a nearby building, which we go to when there is a siren, so within a minute and a half we are there, protected," said a resident. "We don't see a reason to leave." Iranian missiles cause extensive damage Since Iran responded to Israeli attacks by firing missiles at Israel, extensive damage has been endured across the country. According to Israeli media estimates, after only six days of war the damage caused to property all over the country is estimated at more than 2 billion shekels ($576m). Since then, missiles have only caused more damage. There is concern in Israel that many citizens whose property or homes were damaged will remain without compensation for many months. According to a report in The Marker, the Property Tax Authority is under extreme workload pressures due to the heavy damage. "Given that thousands of apartments have already been evacuated of their residents across the country, probably close to 5,000 apartments, and appraisers have to move between them and decide their fate, the wait for an appraiser could take days or even weeks," the report said. "Until then, the evacuees will not be able to receive compensation from the state." According to the report, "the dimensions of the destruction in the war with Iran are already too great to contain. In just a week, 33,000 lawsuits were filed, and about 11,000 people were evicted from their homes". At the same time, The Marker reports that there is a shortage of workers to rebuild the destroyed residential buildings. "Without an additional 15,000 foreign workers to rebuild the destruction in Gush Dan, the construction industry could stagnate," the report said. A source in the Tax Authority told The Marker the level of damage from the war with Iran is not something Israelis have known before. Just one building in a high-density urban landscape was so badly damaged it was slated for demolition due to the Gaza war. Now, according to The Marker's source, Iranian missiles have condemned another 30.
Sharjah 24
an hour ago
- Sharjah 24
Federal National Council holds special ‘UAE–EU' session
Warm welcome and opening remarks Saqr Ghobash opened the session with a welcome speech, greeting Roberta Metsola and her delegation. He also acknowledged key UAE officials including Minister of Justice Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and other senior government representatives. Attendance of key stakeholders The session included EU ambassadors, European business leaders with UAE ventures, members of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Emirates Youth Councils, and the Children's Parliament, symbolising a broad spectrum of UAE–EU engagement. Emphasis on dialogue and shared values In his remarks, Ghobash highlighted the UAE's commitment to dialogue, human dignity, and tolerance. He praised the visit as a sign of mutual respect and a shared parliamentary vision rooted in common humanitarian values. Tribute to the UAE's founding vision Ghobash paid tribute to the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and current leadership for upholding the nation's principles of peace and cooperation. Strengthening parliamentary cooperation The FNC Speaker noted the significance of Metsola's visit in deepening parliamentary cooperation, setting the stage for joint action on global issues like sustainable development, peace, climate safety, and combating extremism. Humanitarian concerns and regional stability Ghobash voiced concern over the worsening situation in Gaza and stressed the importance of de-escalation, civilian protection, and a path to peace. He also expressed alarm at rising regional tensions, particularly concerning Iranian nuclear facilities, calling for diplomacy as the only solution. Metsola's remarks: A new era of UAE–EU partnership In her address, Roberta Metsola described the UAE–EU relationship as entering a renewed phase based on peace, prosperity, and openness. She praised the UAE's role in promoting coexistence and diplomacy, and highlighted its growing global stature. Economic and cultural ties strengthen cooperation Metsola noted that the EU is the UAE's second-largest trading partner, with €328 billion in mutual investments. She emphasized tourism, education, and culture as core areas for future collaboration. Vision for strategic future cooperation Concluding her remarks, Metsola expressed hope that this session would mark the start of deeper strategic cooperation. She affirmed that with strong political will and mutual trust, UAE–EU relations could flourish across multiple domains.
