Iran-Israel tensions rise as Tehran warns of expanded strikes

BY Libyan Express Jun 16, 2025 - 03:32 Colonel Reza Sayyad
Colonel Reza Sayyad, spokesperson for the Communications Centre of the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, has issued a warning to civilians residing in Israeli-controlled territories, advising them to evacuate immediately.
He stated that Iran is preparing a 'broad and decisive response' to recent Israeli military actions, which may target various locations across Israel.
According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, Colonel Sayyad began his statement with a religious invocation and accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of launching a new offensive. He described the move as a 'strategic miscalculation' that would prompt what he called a 'powerful, deterrent response' from Iran's military.
Sayyad claimed that Iranian forces had, over recent nights, successfully targeted several sensitive locations within Israeli territory, including military and intelligence facilities, decision-making centres, and even the residences of senior military officials and scientists. He further asserted that Iran possesses a detailed intelligence database of key sites within Israel and is capable of striking them at any time.
In his message, Sayyad advised civilians to avoid remaining in or near areas that could be considered potential targets, warning that even underground shelters may not provide safety. He urged people not to allow themselves to be used as 'human shields', and to take Iranian warnings seriously.
He concluded by accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of endangering civilian lives in pursuit of personal and political interests. Sayyad warned that ignoring Iran's message would result in 'significantly more difficult days' for residents of the affected areas. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@libyanexpress.com. Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Libyan Express

8 hours ago

• Libyan Express

Watchdog moves against financial crimes chief

BY Libyan Express Jun 20, 2025 - 05:20 Libya's Administrative Control Authority Libya's Administrative Control Authority has suspended the head of the Financial Crimes and Anti-Money Laundering Agency, Jamal Omar Al-Mazoughi, as part of a precautionary measure linked to an internal oversight report. The decision, issued by Authority Chairman Abdullah Qaderbuh under Resolution No. 336 of 2025 , follows a review conducted by the General Directorate for Oversight of the Prime Minister's Office. The Authority said the move was made in the public interest. In a statement published on its official Facebook page, the Authority said the suspension was taken 'in accordance with the requirements of public interest,' citing Article 31 of Law No. 20 of 2013, which governs the body's mandate, as amended. No further details were provided regarding the nature of the oversight findings or whether formal charges are expected. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.

Libyan Express

8 hours ago

• Libyan Express

UN envoy warns against divisive rhetoric in Libya

BY Libyan Express Jun 20, 2025 - 05:45 UN stresses dialogue to overcome Libya's divisions The United Nations' senior envoy to Libya has issued a grave warning about the damaging impact of hate speech on the country's delicate peace process and national unity. Speaking on the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, Hanna Tetteh, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya, emphasised the urgent need to tackle divisive rhetoric that risks deepening the nation's political and social divisions. 'In a context marked by intense political polarisation and a fragile security situation, hate speech—particularly when based on regional, tribal or ethnic differences—represents a serious barrier to Libya's efforts towards reconciliation and stability,' Tetteh said in a powerful statement. She called on all stakeholders—including government bodies, media professionals, social media platforms and civil society organisations—to unite in promoting inclusive and respectful dialogue that counters incitement and fosters mutual understanding. Tetteh also highlighted the significant role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, stressing that these tools must be used responsibly to support peacebuilding initiatives and combat the spread of misinformation rather than inflame existing tensions. 'Libya's future hinges on a collective rejection of hate and intolerance,' she affirmed. 'Only through unity, justice and sustained dialogue can the country secure lasting peace for all its people.' The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.

Libyan Express

8 hours ago

• Libyan Express

Trump sets conditions before possible Iran strike

BY Libyan Express Jun 20, 2025 - 06:30 Trump weighs Iran strike amid talks of diplomacy. Photo via AFP Axios reported on Thursday that US President Donald Trump is carefully weighing whether to authorise military strikes against Iran, with three main conditions guiding his decision: the necessity of the action, avoiding prolonged US involvement in the Middle East, and ensuring the operation would effectively neutralise Iran's nuclear programme. White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt stated that Trump's position on Iran 'should not come as a surprise' and highlighted the possibility of negotiations with Tehran in the near future. She added that the president intends to make a final decision on military intervention within two weeks, depending on how diplomatic talks progress. US officials also revealed that Trump held a third meeting in three days with his national security team to discuss possible responses to the situation involving Iran. The president is reportedly considering supporting Israel's actions against Iran but emphasises the need to meet the outlined conditions before proceeding. Israeli sources indicated they expect a decision from Washington regarding US participation in military operations against Iran within the next 24 to 48 hours. However, the White House has signalled that the final decision could take up to two weeks. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military preparations. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.