Latest news with #TasnimNews
Asharq Al-Awsat
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Internet Slowly Trickles Back in Iran
Iranians on Saturday began to see some internet access restored, giving people the opportunity to call friends and family for the first time in days. Those in the diaspora posted on social media about connecting to FaceTime or WhatsApp to call relatives they had been worried about. Government officials had disconnected phone and web services earlier in the week for the more than 90 million people who live in Iran, citing cybersecurity threats from Israel. That left civilians unaware of when and where Israel would strike next, despite Israeli forces issuing warnings through their Persian-language online channels. When the missiles landed, lack of internet connection meant not knowing for hours or days if their family or friends are among the victims. Tasnim News Agency, which is closely affiliated with Iran's government, quoted the information minister as saying that access to 'international' internet should be restored across the country by 8 p.m.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Road Out of Tehran Closed Over 'Heavy Traffic'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A major route out of Tehran was closed overnight Tuesday as vehicles jammed roads following warnings by Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump to vacate the capital. As Israel continued to bombard Iran, the Islamic Republic's traffic police said that the Chalus highway had been closed overnight because of heavy traffic before being reopened Wednesday morning. Why It Matters Residents in the capital have been fleeing the city since Israel's airstrikes started last week, targeting Iran's military and intelligence leadership it said was developing a nuclear bomb, although Iran denies it has such a capability. Traffic jams are in addition to major disruptions to banking and internet services in the country, adding to a climate of panic among Iranians. Vehicles jam a highway as a fire blazes nearby in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, Iran, on June 15, 2025. Vehicles jam a highway as a fire blazes nearby in the oil depots of Shahran, northwest of Tehran, Iran, on June 15, To Know The Chalus highway is a major route that links Tehran with the Caspian Sea region. It was restricted to one-way outbound traffic overnight Tuesday, Colonel Ahmad Karami Asad, head of the FarajahTraffic Police, said, according to Tasnim News, a state media agency. Highway 49, which feeds into the Chalus highway, had also been especially congested, and Asad urged drivers to follow traffic regulations and cooperate with police. Social media videos and eyewitness accounts this week have shown bumper-to-bumper traffic on main roads out of Tehran as people attempted to leave the city. Images verified by Agence France Press (AFP) showed traffic stuck on a major northbound highway from Tehran amid a scramble to reach parts of the country less affected by Israel's attacks. The exodus came shortly after former Trump posted on Truth Social for people to evacuate Tehran amid Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear and military facilities. On Monday, Israel also issued specific evacuation warnings to residents in the north of the capital, including District 3, which is home to embassies and government buildings. Authorities have opened metro stations and schools as makeshift shelters from the bombardment and many shops remained closed and fuel rationing began, with long lines at gas stations. What People Are Saying President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran." Colonel Ahmad Karami Asad, head of the Farajah Traffic Police, per Tasnim News: "We ask our dear drivers to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with traffic police officers to maintain safety and smooth traffic on this mountainous route." What Happens Next With the Chalus highway and other major routes reopened, Iranian authorities continue to monitor traffic and public safety amid growing concern among those who are left without cash, connectivity or a clear way out.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Khamenei warns of ‘irreparable consequences' if US joins Israel strikes, says Iran won't surrender
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Wednesday issued a warning to the United States and Israel amid escalating regional conflict, declaring that Iran would not yield to threats or accept any imposed resolution. Khamenei said 'Israel made a huge mistake and will be punished for that,' according to an official statement read by a state TV anchor in a televised address. 'People will not forget the blood of martyrs and the attack on their territory,' he said, referencing the ongoing Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. 'Iran will not accept an imposed peace or war.' Addressing statements by President Donald Trump, who a day earlier said the US was aware of the Supreme Leader's location but won't kill him, 'at least for now,' Khamenei said: 'They should know that Iran will not surrender and any US strike will have serious, irreparable consequences,' Tasnim News quoted him as saying. Referring to Trump's demand of 'unconditional surrender', Khamenei said: 'Those who know Iran's history know that Iranians do not answer well to the language of threat.' Earlier in the day, Khamenei, in a post on X, said, 'In the name of God, the battle begins.' In another post, he said Iran 'must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.' We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy. — (@khamenei_ir) June 17, 2025 Khamenei's warning came after Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that hypersonic Fattah-1 missiles were used in its latest attack on Israel as part of 'Operation Honest Promise 3.' The IRGC also launched a 'swarm of drones' towards Israel, claiming to have 'gained complete control over the skies of the occupied territories.' Meanwhile, Israeli warplanes struck targets in Tehran before dawn on Wednesday. The Israeli military had warned civilians in District 18 to evacuate ahead of the strike. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions across the capital, including in the Piroozi, Sabalan, and Sayyad areas. (With inputs from Reuters)
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Air war deepens: Israeli strikes hit Tehran while Iran responds with missiles
Shafaq News/ The Israel–Iran confrontation reached a new peak on Tuesday as explosions shook eastern Tehran, air defenses lit up the skies across multiple Iranian cities, and both sides exchanged missile and media salvos amid heightened global alarm. Two powerful blasts were reported near Piroozi Street in eastern Tehran, triggering air raid sirens and prompting the activation of Iranian air defenses. Tasnim News confirmed the downing of 'hostile targets' over the capital, while defense systems were simultaneously engaged in Natanz, Ahvaz, and Mashhad. The cause and damage from the explosions remain unconfirmed, but Iranian outlets described the incident as part of a broader Israeli aerial offensive targeting western Iran. The Israeli army acknowledged carrying out 'wide-ranging strikes' on military sites in western Iran, claiming the operations were aimed at degrading Iran's strategic capabilities. Iranian officials, however, described the attacks as unlawful aggression, accusing Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure. Among the key sites hit was the headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in central Tehran. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as a 'barbaric crime,' raising the death toll to three, including a female IRIB staff member who succumbed to injuries. The IRGC swiftly retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at the Israeli base allegedly responsible for the attack, according to Iranian state media. The Israeli military defended its actions by claiming the IRIB facility had been repurposed by Iran's armed forces for military operations. 'The site was operating under civilian cover for hostile activity,' the army said. IRIB chief Peyman Jebelli rejected the accusation, calling the strike 'an unjustifiable attempt to silence Iran's voice and suppress the truth.' In a direct escalation, Iranian forces launched approximately ten ballistic missiles toward Israeli territory overnight in three waves. Targets included Tel Aviv, the Negev, and Israel's northern regions. The Israeli military confirmed the launches and issued emergency alerts, as sirens wailed across multiple cities and residents rushed to shelters. Loud blasts were heard over Tel Aviv, with Israeli air defenses intercepting several of the incoming projectiles. According to Israel Hayom, a fire broke out in southern Israel after one of the missiles struck open terrain. The air war unfolded just hours after US President Donald Trump issued his strongest statement yet on the conflict, calling Iran's refusal to rejoin the nuclear deal 'a disgrace and a waste of human life.' Trump reiterated his red line on nuclear proliferation, warning, 'Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. I've said it before and I'll say it again — everyone must evacuate Tehran immediately.' This latest wave of attacks follows nearly a week of mutual bombardment. Israel's Operation Rising Lion, launched June 13, targeted Iran's nuclear, military, and intelligence infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. In response, Iran activated Operation True Promise 3, firing hundreds of drones and missiles toward Israeli cities, with both sides suffering mounting casualties and infrastructure damage.
Al Jazeera
7 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Iran strikes Israel with new missile, drone attack; Israel bombs Tehran
Israel and Iran have carried out a new wave of attacks on key cities, fuelling fears of an all-out sustained war, with heavy exchanges now entering a third day. Iranian missiles struck northern Israel, killing at least three people and wounding 13 others, late Saturday into Sunday, according to Israeli media. Israel targeted the Iranian defence ministry headquarters in Tehran early Sunday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Iranian officials also said the Shahran oil depot, northwest of Tehran, was struck by Israel. Tasnim News said operational and rescue forces arrived at the scene and are still working to extinguish the fire. هماکنون | #پالایشگاه_نفت #تهران در شهر ری — Hamed Arib (@hamedaribb) June 14, 2025Translation: Right now | #OilRefinery #Tehran in Rey city More videos posted to social media, and also verified by Al Jazeera's Sanad, showed Iranian missiles in the skies of northern Israel. בשעה זו: אזעקות באזור חיפה והגליל המערבי עדכונים שוטפים | — החדשות – N12 (@N12News) June 14, 2025Translation: At this hour: Sirens in the Haifa area and the Western Galilee Israel's Channel 13 reported that missiles hit Haifa and nearby Tamra. The attack on Haifa was widely anticipated, as the coastal city hosts strategic gas infrastructure. Analysts suggest this marks the beginning of Iran's promised retaliation for the Israeli bombardment of key energy sites near Bushehr and Abadan. Despite widespread public backing for military action against Iran, many Israelis remain sceptical. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Israeli political analyst Ori Goldberg said there is growing anxiety and distrust among the population. 'There is mass support for going after Iran – that's the official narrative,' he said. 'But people don't believe these strikes will destroy Iran's nuclear programme or bring regime change. They're starting to fend for themselves.' Goldberg added that many suspect political motives behind the campaign, suggesting leaders may be using the crisis to boost their standing. 'There's no faith in the government's ability to protect civilians,' he said. 'People feel abandoned.' Following the Israeli attacks on Iran, Tohid Asadi, reporting from Tehran for Al Jazeera, said smoke was seen rising from the Shahran oil depot in Tehran following an Israeli strike, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear. 'It was said that the oil storage centre was targeted, but the extent of the damage is not that much,' he reported. He added that Iranian air defences were activated in the capital shortly after the strike. 'I saw the interceptions. The sounds of explosions were heard,' he said. Asadi described the ongoing Israeli bombardment of nuclear, military and civilian sites across Iran as 'unprecedented', warning that the developments are likely to trigger further escalation. Earlier on Saturday, Iran said that Israel intensified its military campaign, targeting key infrastructure and dealing another blow to the country's struggling economy, as the conflict spirals towards a potential sustained all-out war. Iranian officials confirmed that a blaze had erupted at the South Pars gas field – one of the country's most vital energy sources – after it was struck by Israeli forces on Saturday. Though Iranian authorities later said the fire had been extinguished, the scale of the disruption remains unclear. Energy expert Manouchehr Takin told Al Jazeera that targeting South Pars – crucial for domestic consumption and commercial use – would deepen Iran's internal energy crisis. 'This is an attempt to paralyse Iran's economy,' Takin said. 'The domestic gas network was already under pressure due to sanctions and mismanagement.' Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, said the move marked a shift in strategy. 'Israel has previously targeted Iran's military infrastructure, nuclear scientists and missile facilities. Now it's going after civilian economic assets,' she said, warning that the economic impact could be severe if damage is extensive. Tehran reported at least 80 people killed and more than 320 injured, including women and children, following Israeli strikes on both military and residential sites across the capital. Among the dead are reportedly nine nuclear scientists. Iran hit back with a barrage of missiles that penetrated Israel's high-tech missile defence system, with at least four deaths and more than 200 injuries recorded in Israel since Friday. Iranian state media also claimed the downing of an Israeli F-35 fighter jet, one of the most advanced aircraft in Israel's arsenal. While several Iranian news outlets have cited a military statement confirming the incident, there is no official footage or visual evidence, and Israeli officials have dismissed the reports as fabricated. Iran-US nuclear talks, originally set to take place in Oman on Sunday, have been cancelled. US President Donald Trump had tied the diplomatic effort to Iran's agreement to roll back its nuclear programme. But Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations were off the table while 'barbarous' Israeli attacks continued. Meanwhile, the Israeli military claimed to have struck more than 150 Iranian targets and warned its operation could continue for weeks. Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning: 'If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.' The prospect of full-scale regional war loomed large, as global leaders issued warnings. Iran hinted at a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz – a crucial oil shipping lane – should the conflict deepen. Tehran also warned that any foreign military bases aiding Israel could face retaliatory strikes. Iran's capacity for external retaliation, however, has weakened. After nearly two years of war in Gaza and last year's conflict in Lebanon, its key regional allies – Hamas and Hezbollah – are significantly depleted, narrowing Iran's military options. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone with both Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. In both calls, Erdogan blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for fuelling the crisis. According to a statement from Erdogan's office, he told bin Salman that Israel poses the greatest threat to regional stability and urged an immediate halt to its actions. 'The only way to resolve the nuclear dispute is through negotiations,' Erdogan said, warning of a potential refugee crisis if the situation spirals further. The Turkish president also accused Israel of using attacks on Iran to distract from what he labelled a genocide in Gaza. 'Netanyahu is trying to set the region on fire and sabotage diplomatic efforts,' Erdogan said, according to the statement. As international concern mounts, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 50-minute call on Saturday. While Trump praised Israel's strikes and warned Iran of harsher consequences, Putin expressed grave concern and called for a halt to the military campaign. Both leaders, however, left the door open to a possible return to nuclear talks.
