International

Israel and Iran trade airstrikes as U.S. hits nuclear sites

“The warriors of Islam will bring severe and unpredictable consequences through powerful and well-targeted operations,” said Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a representative of Iran’s armed forces, during a broadcast on Iranian state television on Monday, June 23.

He warned that U.S. involvement in the military conflict “will expand the circle of legitimate targets” for Iran’s military and “will pave the way for a broader war in the region.”

On the same day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported renewed missile attacks from Iran. According to the official statement, Israeli air defense systems successfully intercepted the threat. Missile alerts were triggered in several areas in northern Israel and later extended to central parts of the country, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. An AFP correspondent reported multiple explosions in Jerusalem. Israeli media indicated that Iran had launched approximately 15 missiles. Tasnim News Agency, known for its ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported two waves of drone attacks targeting Israel.

In retaliation, Israel carried out airstrikes on Iranian military infrastructure. The Israeli Air Force struck multiple targets in Kermanshah, western Iran, including missile launch platforms and surface-to-surface rocket depots. According to an IDF spokesperson cited by Deutsche Welle, the operation involved 15 fighter jets.

Israeli forces also attacked six airfields in Iran, destroying runways and eliminating 15 military aircraft and helicopters. The IDF stated that these operations were intended to reinforce Israeli control over Iranian airspace and are part of ongoing efforts to degrade Iran’s military capabilities.

The United States entered the conflict overnight on June 22, nine days after hostilities began on June 13. The U.S. military targeted three key sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program. B-2 bombers reportedly dropped twelve 13.6-ton bunker-busting bombs on the Fordow facility, while two similar bombs were used against the Natanz complex. In addition, 30 Tomahawk missiles were launched from submarines, striking targets in Natanz and Isfahan.

In a televised address, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Iran’s main uranium enrichment sites had been destroyed. He referred to Iran as “the tyrant of the Middle East” and warned that Tehran now faces “either peace or a tragedy greater than that of the past eight days.” In response, Iran issued threats of retaliation. A senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that U.S. military bases are now “legitimate targets” for Iranian attacks.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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