DUBAI June 15: Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply for a third straight day on Sunday, with ongoing missile exchanges and a rising death toll. Israel targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry in Tehran and key nuclear-linked sites, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes that hit buildings deep inside Israel.
At least 10 more Israelis were killed overnight, bringing the country’s total death toll to 13. Iran maintained its previously reported toll of 78 dead and over 320 injured. Explosions were reported across Tehran, including at the Tehran Police Command, Vali-e Asr Square, and the Niroo Havaei neighborhood, home to Iran’s air force headquarters. Video footage showed smoke billowing from parts of the capital, and authorities announced that metro stations and mosques would function as bomb shelters.
Israel stated its objective is not regime change but to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar claimed Iran was within six months of being able to produce nine nuclear bombs. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed the U.S. and Western allies for enabling the Israeli attacks and warned of harsher retaliation if they continued.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump denied U.S. involvement but warned Iran that any attack on American forces would prompt overwhelming retaliation. He also expressed hope for a future deal between Iran and Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron called for immediate de-escalation and renewed dialogue, noting the conflict will be a key issue at the upcoming G7 summit. The UK also raised its travel warning, advising against all travel to Israel due to the intensifying violence.
Iran disclosed that several high-ranking generals, including General Amir Ali Hajizadeh and seven senior deputies, were killed in the Israeli strikes—dealing a major blow to Iran’s aerospace and missile command.
The conflict’s regional effects are growing, with Iraq’s Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah threatening U.S. interests if Washington intervenes. Economically, Egypt has already felt the fallout, with sharp declines in its currency and stock market.
According to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists, Israeli strikes have killed at least 406 people and wounded 654 across Iran. The group, which verifies information through a network of in-country sources, reported that the dead include 197 civilians, 90 military personnel, and 119 unidentified individuals. Among the injured were 100 civilians, 71 troops, and 483 unclassified victims. Iran has yet to release full official casualty figures. (AP)
