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Air defence systems were activated across multiple regions in response to the latest attacks
A photo released by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) official Sepah News Telegram channel on June 13 shows smoke billowing from a site reportedly targeted by an Israeli strike in Tehran early on Friday. (AFP)
Israel on Friday carried out a second round of airstrikes on Iran, further escalating tensions between the two nations. The overnight attacks reportedly targeted nuclear and military sites, along with residential buildings linked to Iranian officials.
According to multiple Iranian media reports, air defence systems were activated across several regions, including Tehran, in response to the latest attacks. Significant activity was reported near Pasteur Square, a high-security zone that houses the official residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the presidential office.
Here the latest developments from the second round of Israeli airstrikes on Iran as tensions continue to rise:
- Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Tehran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons following a fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes. In a phone call between the two leaders, Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s stance, saying, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always maintained that it does not seek to acquire nuclear arms and that it is always ready to provide guarantees on this issue to the competent international authorities.”
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held separate phone calls with his Israeli and Iranian counterparts to discuss the escalating situation in West Asia. “Spoke to Iranian FM @araghchi this evening on the latest situation,” Jaishankar shared in a post on X.
- In a televised message, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a warning against Israel, declaring that the Iranian armed forces will act “with strength” and “bring the vile Zionist regime to its knees.”
- “The Zionist regime will not escape unscathed from this crime,” assuring the Iranian public that “there will be no negligence in this matter,” Khamenei stated.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned the latest round of Israeli airstrikes on Iran, reaffirming his earlier criticism of the previous attacks on the nuclear sites.
- A “massive explosion” was heard in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, according to the Mehr news agency. The province is home to several key nuclear facilities, though the report did not immediately provide further details about the cause or location of the blast.
- Following the latest round of attacks, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to deliver a televised address to the nation
- An Iranian news outlet close to the government reported that two explosions were heard near the Fordo nuclear enrichment site, which is located deep underground, Associated Press reported.
- In Tehran, defence forces intercepted aerial “targets.” Activity was reported near Pasteur Square, a high-security area home to Iran’s Supreme Leader and the presidential office, Iranian media reported.
- Following the strikes, Israel’s army chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said the military was operating at “full force” to achieve its objectives. “We are continuing with full force, at a high pace, in order to meet the goals we have set for ourselves,” he said in an official statement.
- Zamir urged Israeli citizens to stay prepared for further escalations: “There will be difficult moments, we need to be prepared for the range of scenarios we have planned for, very high readiness and discipline are required on the home front.”
- At the same time as the strikes, air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem. The Israeli military confirmed that a missile had been launched from Yemen.
- “The IDF (military) has identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory,” the army said in a statement. Residents reported hearing loud booms over Jerusalem, similar to past missile interceptions.
ALSO READ: Khamenei Vows To ‘Bring Israel To Its Knees’; Rocket Fired From Yemen Triggers Jerusalem Alert
(With inputs from agencies)
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
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