Daijiworld Media Network- Tehran
Tehran, Jun 17: Tensions in the Middle East escalated dangerously overnight as Iran launched its ninth consecutive wave of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, even as Israel intensified retaliatory strikes deep into Iranian territory. The conflict, now in its second week, shows no signs of abating, with fears mounting over a broader regional conflagration.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that the latest barrage of drone and missile attacks would “continue without interruption until dawn.” Explosions rocked the eastern districts of Tehran late Monday, triggering air defence systems. Iranian media warned of further escalation, accusing Israel of provoking a long-term military confrontation.
In a strongly worded message, Iranian authorities issued evacuation warnings to Israeli news outlets Channels 12 and 14. This came after Israel bombed IRINN, a state-run TV station in Tehran, forcing a news presenter to flee live on-air. Tehran labelled the media strike a violation of international norms.
In a significant domestic operation, Iranian officials claimed to have dismantled a drone manufacturing site in Tehran allegedly tied to Israel’s Mossad. Two individuals were arrested in Tehran and Alborz provinces, accused of espionage and sabotage, according to state news agencies.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed missile detection alarms across the nation as Iranian drones and rockets entered Israeli airspace. In response, Israeli fighter jets struck multiple missile installations in western Iran. IDF officials stated that a large percentage of Iran’s launchers had been destroyed, and reiterated claims of complete aerial dominance over Tehran.
Reacting to the rapidly deteriorating security environment, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced additional American military deployments to the Middle East. “Protecting US forces is our top priority,” Hegseth said, while confirming that more aircraft and naval assets were en route to reinforce regional stability.
In an appeal to the international community, Iran’s envoy to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, submitted a formal complaint accusing Israel of bombing its nuclear sites, particularly the Natanz facility. Referring to a past UN Security Council resolution from 1981, Iran urged global condemnation of what it called “deliberate sabotage.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lashed out at Israel’s military action, warning that it jeopardizes nuclear negotiations with Western powers. In a flurry of diplomatic calls with France, Germany, the UK, and the European Union, Araghchi described the airstrikes as “a serious blow to diplomatic engagement.”
US President Donald Trump has again warned civilians in Tehran to evacuate, insisting that “Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.” Trump, who had earlier extended an offer for a diplomatic deal, left the G7 summit in Canada ahead of schedule to return to Washington and oversee security developments.
With the Middle East slipping closer to all-out war, international leaders face mounting pressure to mediate a ceasefire before the conflict spins further out of control.