Iran launches missiles after U.S. strikes
Iran launched missile strikes against Israel following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of U.S. military action against Iran's nuclear sites. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv and Haifa as missiles targeted northern and central Israel. This escalation marks a significant increase in hostilities between the two nations, which have been exchanging fire since Israel's attack on Tehran on June 13, aimed at Iranian nuclear and military facilities.
A senior Iranian official warned the U.S. against intervening on Israel's behalf, stating that such actions would threaten American interests in the region. The official claimed that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has detailed intelligence on Israeli missile interceptors and is planning strikes to neutralize these defenses. He emphasized that targeting U.S. bases in the region would be easier than striking deep into Israeli territory.
In a statement, the IRGC announced the launch of a new phase of military operations, deploying a swarm of attack and suicide drones aimed at strategic targets across Israel.
Israeli media reported air raid sirens across the occupied territories, urging residents to seek shelter. The Israeli government has imposed a media blackout on images related to Iran's missile and drone operations, which have reportedly caused.
Meanwhile at the 51st OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who condemned Israel's actions, labeling the Netanyahu government as "the greatest obstacle to peace" in the Middle East. Erdoğan attributed Israeli strikes on Iran, including attacks on the Khondab nuclear site, as detrimental to U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. He urged the international community to resist what he termed Israel's "poison" and emphasized the need to prevent further conflict in the region.
During the summit, Araqchi highlighted Iran's right to "legitimate defense" and stressed the importance of amplifying Iran's voice within the Islamic world.
