Escalating Tensions: Israel's Ongoing Missile Strikes on Iran
Continued Missile Attacks Between Israel and Iran
On June 17, missile strikes between Israel and Iran persisted for the fifth consecutive day, leading to a dire situation in Tehran. Israel has been relentless in its attacks, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to abruptly leave the G7 summit. He issued a stern warning for residents of Tehran to 'evacuate immediately.'
Ongoing Hostility and International Pressure
Despite increasing international pressure to de-escalate tensions, both Iran and Israel appear resolute in continuing their military actions that began on Friday. Israel launched a significant wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites.
Trump's Urgent Call for Evacuation
In a social media post on Monday, Trump urged everyone to leave Tehran without delay while attending the G7 summit in Canada. He reiterated multiple times throughout the day that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, emphasizing this point in his posts.
Impact on Tehran's Population
Trump stated that Iran should have signed the agreement, concluding his message with a call for immediate evacuation from Tehran, which is home to approximately 9.5 million people. The Israeli military had previously warned residents to leave, affecting around 330,000 individuals in central Tehran, where key government facilities and hospitals are located.
Direct Attack on Iranian State Television
On Monday, Israel targeted Iran's state television during a live broadcast, causing a reporter to flee after an explosion. This attack followed a new barrage of missiles launched by Iran at Israel, resulting in at least eight fatalities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that their strikes have significantly delayed Iran's nuclear program.
Netanyahu's Remarks and Military Claims
Netanyahu clarified that Israel does not aim to overthrow the Iranian government but would not be surprised if such an outcome occurred as a result of the attacks. He described the Iranian regime as 'extremely weak' and mentioned that he maintains daily communication with President Trump. An Israeli military spokesperson claimed that Israel has 'control over Tehran's skies.'
Destruction of Missile Launchers
The military reported the destruction of over 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers in central Iran, which constitutes about one-third of Iran's total launchers. Additionally, fighter jets targeted ten command centers associated with the 'Kurd Force,' a specific branch of Iran's Revolutionary Guard that conducts military and intelligence operations outside Iran.