Latest news with #OperationRisingLion
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First Post
34 minutes ago
- Politics
- First Post
One week into Israel-Iran conflict, which country holds the advantage?
Almost 500 missiles fired. More than 250 people killed and countless buildings destroyed. The Israel-Iran conflict has completed seven days and there's no signs of hostilities abating. The escalating war raises all sorts of questions — but none more pertinent than — who's winning? read more A woman holding a dog takes a photo of a damaged residential building at an impact site following Iran's missile strike on Israel, in Be'er Sheva, Israel. Reuters The decades-old conflict between Israel and Iran that was never quite 'cold', intensified last Friday (June 13) when the Jewish nation launched Operation Rising Lion, a wide-ranging aerial offensive that targeted nuclear and military sites deep within Iranian territory. Today, seven days later (June 20), the hostilities continue and there's fear that the United States will join in — though we shall only now know in two weeks' time after Donald Trump gave a new deadline to Tehran. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The question that people are now asking a week into the hostilities is — who has the upper hand in this conflict? Has Iran run out of options in this battle? Damage inflicted by Israel and Iran An assessment of the destruction of military and civilian site is one of the ways to gauge who has the edge in this conflict. And both sides have caused significant damage to one another. However, it seems that Israel holds the edge — causing significant damage to Tehran's nuclear facilities as well as military sites. On Thursday, Israel attacked Iran's Arak heavy water reactor , one of the country's largest nuclear facilities, located 250 kilometres southwest of the capital Tehran. In addition to Arak, Israel has also struck Natanz — Iran's largest uranium enrichment centre. The UN nuclear watchdog initially reported that the strikes had damaged only the aboveground part of the enrichment plant. It later revised its assessment to confirm 'direct impacts' on underground enrichment halls. A satellite image shows infrastructure at the Arak facility, following Israelli airstrikes, in Iran. Reuters Israel also struck Iran's Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre. Furthermore, at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed since the attacks began, according to multiple sources in the region. The Israeli military said nine of them were a 'key element' in Tehran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon. However, Fordow and Bushehr have remained largely unaffected by Israel's strikes. Israel's strikes have also degraded Iran's missile capabilities. Several Israeli strikes targeted a missile base in Kermanshah, where missile storage buildings can be seen with damage in a satellite image taken on June 15. On Thursday, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Kan public broadcaster that at least half of Iran's missile launchers have been destroyed. The Israel Defense Forces also echoed similar comments saying 40 per cent of Iran's launchers had been destroyed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition to military targets, Israel has also targeted Iran's energy infrastructure. The Jewish nation has struck Tehran's main gas depot and its central oil refinery, according to a statement from Iran's oil ministry. The ministry said Israel had also targeted a section of one of the world's largest gas fields. Video posted to social media even showed a large fire burning at the Shahran oil depot, north of Tehran. Vehicles jam a highway as a fire blazes nearby in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, on June 15. AFP Israeli aircraft also struck the headquarters of Iran's state broadcaster in Tehran causing a live broadcast to be briefly interrupted. The Israeli military said it targeted a 'communications centre of the Iranian regime'. In return, Iran has also extracted its pound of flesh; it has hit residential areas in the Jewish nation, decimated Israel's 'crown jewel of science', the Weizmann Institute of Science, and even struck the Soroka Hospital in Beersheba . According to Iranian media, on Saturday, Iranian missiles landed just 300 metres (984ft) from the Israeli Ministry of Defence headquarters (the Kirya) in Tel Aviv. Also, another strike hit the Weizmann Institute of Science, one of Israel's leading research centres, located in Rehovot, south of Tel Aviv. The institute is reported to have collaborated with the Israeli military, making it a significant target. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Several metropolitan areas have also been damaged by Iranian strikes. In Ramat Gan, a city adjacent to Tel Aviv, missiles struck several towers and residential complexes, causing significant damage and forcing evacuations. Local authorities reported that nine buildings were destroyed. The nearby city of Petah Tikva was also hit by missile strikes that damaged both residential and commercial areas while in Bnei Brak, a religious school was destroyed. Bat Yam, which is south of Tel Aviv, has also witnessed significant damage. Damaged buildings are seen following a missile attack from Iran on Israel, in Bat Yam, Israel. Reuters In northern Israel, Iranian missiles struck Haifa's Bazan petrochemical complex, the country's largest oil refinery, forcing a shutdown of operations. Haifa suffered a second missile strike, which hit several residential buildings in the Neve Sha'anan neighbourhood. And on Thursday, Iran also took aim at a hospital in the Israeli town of Beersheba, forcing the staff of Soroka Medical Centre to move most of its patients to other hospitals. The strike shattered windows, hurling glass across the hospital, brought ceilings crashing down, destroyed medical equipment and left corridors in disarray. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It's so sad, I never thought something like this could happen. Never. It's only medical professionals here, and patients… and look what happened to us,' Wasim Hin, an ophthalmologist at Soroka Medical Centre, told AFP. 'Here we have new equipment, everything was destroyed.' A general view of Soroka Medical Centre, the city's general hospital, at an impact site following a missile strike from Iran on Israel, in Beersheba, Israel. Reuters Deaths keep mounting On Thursday, a body of an Ukrainian woman was recovered from a building struck by an Iranian missile four days earlier, Israeli officials said. Maria Peshkarova, 31, is the ninth victim of the Sunday hit in the city of Bat Yam, taking the overall death toll in Israel to 25 since the war began, according to authorities. Meanwhile, Iran said Sunday that Israeli strikes had killed at least 224 people, including military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. Authorities have not issued an updated toll since. Iran has lost several high-ranking officials including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein Salami and Ali Shadmani , Iran's wartime Chief of Staff during Israel's Operation Rising Lion. In fact, Shadmani was appointed to the chief of staff position after the death of Mohammad Bagheri on Friday. A man reacts as relatives and friends attend the funeral of Manar Khatib and her two daughters, Hala, 20, and Shada, 13, and their relative, Manar Khatib who were killed during a missile attack from Iran on Israel, in Tamra, north Israel. Reuters In addition to Shadmani and Bagheri, Israel has also eliminated commander-in-chief of the IRGC, Hossein Salami, deputy commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the head of the IRGC's Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters Gholamali Rashid and commander of the IRGC's Aerospace Force Ali Hajizadeh to name a few. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel has also threatened to eliminate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei with Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, declaring on Thursday that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 'can no longer be allowed to exist'. Israel takes control of Iranian skies The other aspect where Israel seems have an edge over Iran is that it has declared aerial supremacy over Tehran . Four days into its ferocious air campaign, the Israeli military said that it could now fly over the country's capital, Tehran, without facing major resistance after crippling Iran's air defences in recent strikes, enabling Israel to hit an expanding range of targets with relative ease. According to military analysts, such control over Iran's skies is not just a tactical advantage but also a strategic turning point. Air supremacy gives Israel the freedom to escalate its bombing campaign, look for additional targets, and possibly redraw the rules of deterrence in a region where missile salvos and proxy wars have long defined the limits of conflict. Missiles launched from Iran are intercepted as seen from Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters But how did Israel achieve this aim? By using US-supplied planes such as the F-15 and F-16 as well as the customised F-35 stealth fighter jet. Moreover, Israel has also the Iron Dome and Iron Shield systems, with an interception success of over 90 per cent for short-range rockets and missiles. But there are reports that Israel is depleting its supply of long-range missile interceptors . The Wall Street Journal citing a source said that Israel can maintain its missile defence for 10 or 12 more days if Iran maintains a steady tempo of attacks. 'The system is already overwhelmed. Soon, they may have to choose which missiles to intercept,' the source said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But Iran could still turn the tide While Israel awaits Donald Trump's response to joining the strikes, all isn't lost for Iran. As Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute who specialises in Iranian security affairs, told TIME, 'Iran has turned out to be much weaker than we had assumed, and yet it's still standing.' Interestingly, Iran's proxies — which include Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and Shiite militias — haven't waded into the conflict yet. On Thursday, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem pledged 'all forms of support' to Iran in its fight against Israel and the United States, saying Iran's nuclear programme is peaceful and aims to serve its people. In a speech on Thursday night, Qassem said, 'It does not harm anyone in the slightest way; rather, it represents a great scientific contribution to the advancement of Iran and the region, relying on its own capabilities without foreign tutelage.' Residents leave the area where residential building was impacted following missile attack from Iran on Israel, central Israel. Reuters He also accused the world of opposing Iran not because of its nuclear programme, but because it stands for 'faith, knowledge, and freedom' and benefits 'the oppressed'. Reaffirming Hezbollah's alignment with Tehran, Qassem urged support for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. 'We call on all free people, the oppressed, the resistance fighters, scholars, and those with sound opinions to raise their voices loudly and demonstrate strength, courage, and support by rallying around the noblest and most honourable leadership of Imam Khamenei,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, Yemen-based Houthis also said that the group will intervene to support Iran against Israel like it did in support of Palestinians in Gaza. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi movement's political bureau, also reiterated to Al Jazeera Mubasher TV that the group is coordinating with Tehran during its ongoing military escalation with Israel. Besides Iran's proxies, Iran could also call on its international allies , namely Russia and China, to put pressure on Israel. Russia has already called on the US to not enter the war, saying such a move would be 'extremely dangerous' and could lead to 'unpredictable negative consequences.' The Kremlin has already called for a ceasefire in the hostilities, saying that diplomacy, not force, should be used to end the violence. China has also condemned Israel's attack and has called on both sides to de-escalate. A wider, regional conflict would raise China's risk-to-benefit calculus as it would threaten its regional economic, namely energy, interests. With inputs from agencies
NDTV
36 minutes ago
- Politics
- NDTV
How Israel Is Targetting Key Iranian Nuclear Scientists
Atlanta: At least 14 nuclear scientists are believed to be among those killed in Israel's Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13, 2025, ostensibly to destroy or degrade Iran's nuclear program and military capabilities. Deliberately targeting scientists in this way aims to disrupt Iran's knowledge base and continuity in nuclear expertise. Among those assassinated were Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, a theoretical physicist and head of Iran's Islamic Azad University, and Fereydoun Abbasi-Davani, a nuclear engineer who led Iran's Atomic Energy Organization. Collectively, these experts in physics and engineering were potential successors to Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, widely regarded as the architect of the Iranian nuclear program, who was assassinated in a November 2020 attack many blame on Israel. As two political scientists writing a book about state targeting of scientists as a counterproliferation tool, we understand well that nuclear scientists have been targeted since the nuclear age began. We have gathered data on nearly 100 instances of what we call "scientist targeting" from 1944 through 2025. The most recent assassination campaign against Iranian scientists is different from many of the earlier episodes in a few key ways. Israel's recent attack targeted multiple nuclear experts and took place simultaneously with military force to destroy Iran's nuclear facilities, air defenses and energy infrastructure. Also, unlike previous covert operations, Israel immediately claimed responsibility for the assassinations. But our research indicates that targeting scientists may not be effective for counterproliferation. While removing individual expertise may delay nuclear acquisition, targeting alone is unlikely to destroy a program outright and could even increase a country's desire for nuclear weapons. Further, targeting scientists may trigger blowback given concerns regarding legality and morality. A policy with a long history Targeting nuclear scientists began during World War II when Allied and Soviet forces raced to capture Nazi scientists, degrade Adolf Hitler's ability to build a nuclear bomb and use their expertise to advance the US and Soviet nuclear programs. In our data set, we classified "targeting" as cases in which scientists were captured, threatened, injured or killed as nations tried to prevent adversaries from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Over time, at least four countries have targeted scientists working on nine national nuclear programs. The United States and Israel have allegedly carried out the most attacks on nuclear scientists. But the United Kingdom and Soviet Union have also been behind such attacks. Meanwhile, scientists working for the Egyptian, Iranian and Iraqi nuclear programs have been the most frequent targets since 1950. Since 2007 and prior to the current Israeli operation, 10 scientists involved in the Iranian nuclear program were killed in attacks. Other countries' nationals have also been targeted: In 1980, Mossad, Israel's intelligence service, allegedly bombed Italian engineer Mario Fiorelli's home and his firm, SNIA Techint, as a warning to Europeans involved in the Iraqi nuclear project. Given this history, the fact that Israel attacked Iran's nuclear program is not itself surprising. Indeed, it has been a strategic goal of successive Israeli prime ministers to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and experts had been warning of the increased likelihood of an Israeli military operation since mid-2024, due to regional dynamics and Iranian nuclear development. By then, the balance of power in the Middle East had changed dramatically. Israel systematically degraded the leadership and infrastructure of Iranian proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. It later destroyed Iranian air defenses around Tehran and near key nuclear installations. The subsequent fall of Syria's Assad regime cost Tehran another long-standing ally. Together, these developments have significantly weakened Iran, leaving it vulnerable to external attack and stripped of its once-feared proxy network, which had been expected to retaliate on its behalf in the event of hostilities. With its proxy "axis of resistance" defanged and conventional military capacity degraded, Iranian leadership may have thought that expanding its enrichment capability was its best bet going forward. And in the months leading up to Israel's recent attack, Iran expanded its nuclear production capacity, moving beyond 60% uranium enrichment, a technical step just short of weapons-grade material. During Donald Trump's first term, the president withdrew the US from a multilateral nonproliferation agreement aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program. After being reelected, Trump appeared to change tack by pursuing new diplomacy with Iran, but those talks have so far failed to deliver an agreement - and may be put on hold for the foreseeable future amid the war. Most recently, the International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors declared Iran in non-compliance with its nuclear-nonproliferation obligations. In response, Iran announced it was further expanding its enrichment capacity by adding advanced centrifuge technology and a third enrichment site. Even if the international community anticipated the broader attack on Iran, characteristics of the targeting itself are surprising. Historically, states have covertly targeted individual scientists. But the recent multiple-scientist attack occurred openly, with Israel taking responsibility, publicly indicating the attacks' purpose. Further, while it is not new for a country to use multiple counter-proliferation tools against an adversary over time, that Israel is using both preventive military force against infrastructure and targeting scientists at once is atypical. Additionally, such attacks against scientists are historically lower tech and low cost, with death or injury stemming from gunmen, car bombs or accidents. In fact, Abbasi - who was killed in the most recent attacks - survived a 2010 car bombing in Tehran. There are outliers, however, including the Fakhrizadeh assassination, which featured a remotely operated machine gun smuggled into Iranian territory. Israel's logic in going after scientists Why target nuclear scientists? In foreign policy, there are numerous tools available if one state aims to prevent another state from acquiring nuclear weapons. Alongside targeting scientists, there are sanctions, diplomacy, cyberattacks and military force. Targeting scientists may remove critical scientific expertise and impose costs that increase the difficulty of building nuclear weapons. Proponents argue that targeting these experts may undermine a state's efforts, deter it from continuing nuclear developments and signal to others the perils of supporting nuclear proliferation. Countries that target scientists therefore believe that doing so is an effective way to degrade an adversary's nuclear program. Indeed, the Israel Defense Forces described the most recent attacks as "a significant blow to the regime's ability to acquire weapons of mass destruction." Despite Israel's focus on scientists as sources of critical knowledge, there may be thousands more working inside Iran, calling into question the efficacy of targeting them. Further, there are legal, ethical and moral concerns over targeting scientists. Moreover, it is a risky option that may fail to disrupt an enemy nuclear program while sparking public outrage and calls for retaliation. This is especially the case if scientists, often regarded as civilians, are elevated as martyrs. Targeting campaigns may, as a result, reinforce domestic support for a government, which could then redouble efforts toward nuclear development. Regardless of whether targeting scientists is an effective counter-proliferation tool, it has been around since the start of the nuclear age - and will likely persist as part of the foreign policy toolkit for states aiming to prevent proliferation. In the case of the current Israeli conflict with Iran and its targeting of nuclear scientists, we expect the tactic to continue for the duration of the war and beyond. (Author: Jenna Jordan, Associate Professor of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology and Rachel Whitlark, Associate Professor of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology) (Disclaimer Statement: Rachel Whitlark is a nonresident senior fellow in the Forward Defense practice of the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Jenna Jordan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.)
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Business Standard
42 minutes ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Israel-Iran war escalates; Iran's cluster bombs bring war to civilians
As the Israel-Iran conflict enters its eighth day, tensions have reached a new high. Both countries unleashed waves of missile and drone attacks on Friday, marking the most intense exchange yet. Israel targeted key Iranian nuclear infrastructure, prompting a sharp retaliation from Tehran. In a major escalation, Iran fired missiles armed with cluster munitions — the first confirmed use of such weapons in the ongoing confrontation. One of these strikes hit an Israeli hospital, injuring dozens. Following the hospital attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran's leadership would pay a 'full price'. He stated that Israel is 'ahead of schedule' in its military campaign, having already surpassed initial expectations. 'We are moving faster than planned. Our goal is clear: to neutralise Iran's nuclear capabilities before it is too late,' Netanyahu said. Israel strikes deep into Iran The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued their focused strikes on Iranian military and nuclear assets, including infrastructure linked to Tehran's nuclear program. Notably, Israel claims it has the capability to target all of Iran's nuclear facilities — even the heavily fortified Fordow site, built deep within the mountains. While Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, Israeli officials maintain it is a direct threat to regional stability. IAEA confirms strikes on multiple nuclear sites The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is closely tracking the fallout from Israeli airstrikes launched under ' Operation Rising Lion ' beginning June 13. Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed damage at nuclear facilities in Natanz, Esfahan, Arak, Tehran, and Khondab. At Natanz, above-ground parts of the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant were destroyed, along with electrical systems critical to underground operations. 'It was limited to this facility. There was no radiological impact externally,' Grossi said. However, contamination inside the facility was confirmed. Esfahan's site suffered hits to a uranium conversion plant and a reactor fuel manufacturing plant. The Tehran Research Center and TESA Karaj, both involved in centrifuge production, were also struck. At Khondab, a heavy water reactor under construction was damaged, though it held no nuclear material. Grossi warned that the volume and dispersion of nuclear material across Iran leaves 'potential for a radiological accident' very real. He added, 'Military escalation threatens lives, increases the chance of a radiological release… and delays indispensable work towards a diplomatic solution.' Despite a reduced IAEA presence due to security concerns, Grossi said inspections would resume once safe, and reaffirmed the agency's readiness to send nuclear safety teams. 'Amid these challenging and complex circumstances, it is crucial that the IAEA receives timely and regular technical information,' he said. Tehran responds with cluster munitions Iran responds with force, launching a barrage of drones and missiles at Israeli targets. The Israeli military confirmed that one of the missiles carried cluster munitions — marking the first documented use of such internationally controversial weapons in this conflict. One of the most severe attacks hit a medical building in southern Israel, wounding 71 people. Most victims suffered minor injuries or panic-induced trauma while seeking shelter. The Israeli Health Ministry confirmed the toll, stating that emergency services remain on high alert. Washington watches closely As the crisis unfolds, the White House signalled growing concern. In a briefing on Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump would decide 'within the next two weeks' whether to extend military backing to Israel. 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,' Leavitt quoted Trump as saying. In a striking revelation, US intelligence now believes that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in 'a couple of weeks' if given the green light by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Behind closed doors, diplomatic conversations are underway. Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly held multiple phone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, according to sources familiar with the matter. Shake-up in Iran's military leadership Adding to the volatility, Iran has named Brigadier General Majid Khadami as the new head of intelligence at the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The appointment comes after Israeli airstrikes killed his predecessor, Mohammed Kazemi, and two other senior officers — Hassan Mohaghegh and Mohsen Bagheri — last Sunday. The change in leadership signals a potential hardening of Iran's military posture, as tensions rise. US moves assets from Qatar base Meanwhile, nearly 40 US military aircraft have vanished from the tarmac of a major American airbase in Qatar over the past two weeks. Military analysts suggest this could be a preemptive measure to shield US assets from potential Iranian retaliation, especially if the US becomes more directly involved in the conflict.
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Business Standard
42 minutes ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Trump weighs joining Israel-Iran war as nuclear talks hang in the balance
As Donald Trump delays decision on joining Israel's war, US officials prepare for a possible strike on Iran's fortified nuclear sites, including the mountain-buried Fordow enrichment facility New Delhi President Trump said he would decide within two weeks whether the United States will join Israel's military campaign against Iran, as rising tensions between the two nations threaten to ignite a broader regional conflict with global consequences. In a statement delivered by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Thursday, Trump said the possibility of renewed nuclear negotiations with Tehran would weigh heavily on his decision. 'There's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future. I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,' the statement said. US officials prepare for possible action in Iran The announcement followed days of speculation over Washington's potential involvement in ' Operation Rising Lion ', Israel's ongoing air campaign targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure and missile systems. While Trump had previously struck a more aggressive tone, including calling on Tehran residents to evacuate, his latest comments suggested a possible turn towards diplomacy. Israeli strikes continue, target nuclear assets Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes continued overnight. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had hit dozens of targets in Tehran, including missile production centres, command hubs and the heavy water reactor at Arak. The Arak facility, long a source of international concern, could theoretically produce plutonium, providing a second route to nuclear weapons capability beyond enriched uranium. Iranian state television reported no radiation risk from the Arak strike, saying the site had been evacuated. The IDF said the objective was to ensure the reactor could not be restored for weapons development. Iran had agreed to redesign the reactor under the 2015 nuclear deal, but that work stalled after Trump withdrew the US from the accord in 2018. ⭕This nuclear reactor in Arak was created for one purpose: to build a nuclear bomb. It has now been neutralized. Here is a closer look at the reactor itself: — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 19, 2025 Netanyahu says regime change is not the goal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking during a visit to Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba, damaged in a missile strike on Thursday, said Israel's objective was to dismantle Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities. 'We may create the conditions to help change the government, but our goal is not regime change—it's removing the threat,' he told Kan television. When asked whether Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was a target, he replied, 'No one is immune'. Defence Minister Israel Katz took a more explicit line, calling Khamenei the 'modern Hitler' and saying his removal was 'absolutely necessary' to ensure regional stability. הדיקטטור חמינאי הוא היטלר המודרני שחרט על דגלו את השמדת מדינת ישראל ומשעבד את כל המשאבים של המדינה שלו לקידום המטרה הנוראית הזאת. הוא לא יכול להמשיך ולהתקיים. — ישראל כ'ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) June 19, 2025 The conflict has so far claimed at least 657 lives in Iran, including 263 civilians, and injured more than 2,000, according to a US-based Iranian human rights group. Israel has reported 24 deaths and hundreds wounded in Iran's retaliation, which has involved more than 450 missiles and 1,000 drones. Diplomatic window still open As tensions escalate, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate have gained urgency. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is due to meet his British, French, German and EU counterparts in Geneva on Friday. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, after holding talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff, said there was now a 'window' to reach a diplomatic solution. Khamenei on Wednesday ruled out surrender and warned that US military intervention would have 'irreparable consequences'. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused Trump of using military threats to extract concessions at the negotiating table.
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Netanyahu vows to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat as conflict escalates
As the Israel-Iran conflict entered its seventh day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is ready to dismantle Tehran's nuclear and missile capabilities—with or without international support. Speaking to Israel's public broadcaster Kan on Thursday, Netanyahu said, 'Israel is capable of striking all of Iran's nuclear facilities. All help is welcome, but we will act independently if we must.' His comments came amid ongoing Israeli air raids on Iranian sites under the banner of Operation Rising Lion, launched last Friday. Trump will do what is best for US: Netanyahu The prime minister also addressed the possibility of direct US involvement, saying the decision rested with President Donald Trump. 'Trump will do what is good for the United States, and I will do what is good for Israel,' he stated, signalling coordination but also strategic autonomy. During a tour of Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba, a southern Israeli city struck by Iranian missiles earlier that morning, Netanyahu stressed that 'no one is immune' from Israeli retaliation, once again suggesting that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could be considered a legitimate target. 'I gave instructions that no one is immune,' he said, adding, 'It's best to let actions speak for themselves.' The Israeli leader reiterated that the offensive was aimed squarely at Iran's nuclear ambitions and ballistic arsenal, which he described as existential threats. 'We are targeting weapons of mass destruction. They are targeting civilians,' he said. 'They fire at hospitals. That's the difference between a functioning democracy and murderous regimes.' אני כאן בבית החולים סורוקה בבאר שבע יחד עם שר הבריאות וסגן השר אלמוג כהן, איש הדרום, ולא בפעם הראשונה עם מנהל בית החולים סורוקה. אנחנו רואים כאן את כל ההבדל. אנחנו פוגעים במדויק במטרות גרעין ומטרות טילים, והם פוגעים בבית חולים, שאנשים לא יכולים לקום ולברוח אפילו. הם פוגעים לא… — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 19, 2025 Katz compares Khamenei to 'modern Hitler' The Defence Minister, Israel Katz, echoed this sentiment in more severe terms during a visit to missile-hit Holon. Calling Ayatollah Khamenei 'the modern Hitler', Katz said one of Israel's objectives was to 'prevent his continued existence.' He accused Iran's supreme leader of orchestrating attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as part of a broader ideological campaign against Israel. Heavy casualties and destruction reported on both sides According to a Washington-based Iranian human rights organisation, at least 639 people have died in Iran so far, including 263 civilians. Over 1,300 have been injured. Iran has retaliated with more than 400 ballistic missiles and over 1,000 drones, targeting cities such as Ramat Gan, Holon and Beersheba, killing at least 24 people in Israel and injuring hundreds more. Among the injured are at least 240 people following missile strikes on residential areas near Tel Aviv and Soroka Medical Centre, 80 of them patients and medical staff. Much of the hospital had been evacuated in anticipation of the attack, limiting the extent of casualties. As tensions escalate, Israel claims to have destroyed over half of Iran's missile launchers. Netanyahu declared that the operation was 'changing the face of the Middle East—and now, the world.' Netanyahu clarifies Iran war goals Despite speculation about regime change in Iran, Netanyahu clarified that toppling the government in Tehran was not an explicit objective. 'That's a matter for the Iranian people,' he said. 'It could be a result, but it is not a stated or formal goal.' Due to the ongoing conflict, the Israeli military has imposed strict censorship on media coverage. These wartime restrictions limit reporting on operational details, target selection, and any damage to critical infrastructure or military capabilities. Netanyahu vowed that Israel would see the operation through to its conclusion. 'At the end of this mission,' he said, 'there will be no nuclear threat on Israel, and there won't be a ballistic threat either.'
