On Tuesday (17 June), around 20 missiles were fired from Iran, setting off sirens across Israel, including central areas such as Jerusalem, the West Bank, and both northern and southern regions. Reports suggested a direct hit in central Israel, with confirmed property damage but no fatalities. Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics treated ten individuals for light injuries sustained while seeking shelter, and one person later arrived at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital.
In a swift retaliation, the Israeli Air Force launched targeted strikes on multiple military facilities in western Iran. These included sites storing surface-to-surface missiles, launchers, and drones. Iranian media and eyewitnesses reported a series of explosions and heavy air defense activity in Tehran, particularly in its eastern and southeastern areas, as well as in Ahvaz in Khuzestan province.
As the attacks unfolded, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, urging Iranian civilians to evacuate Tehran immediately. He criticized Iran for not agreeing to a deal aimed at curbing its nuclear ambitions, reiterating his stance that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. His message came amid fears of further escalation and damage to critical infrastructure, including the reported activation of air defenses at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced it had assassinated Maj.-Gen. Ali Shademani, the new commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters. His predecessor, Gholam Ali Rashid, had been assassinated just days earlier. The IDF described Shademani as Iran’s top war-time military commander and a close figure to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, emphasizing his significant role in orchestrating Iran’s strategic operations against Israel.
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