Military chief says Israel will ‘intensify’ operations in Iran
Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir has issued a statement vowing to increase attacks on Iran, as part of a “historic and unprecedented operation aimed at delivering a significant blow to an existential threat”.
“We will continue to intensify our operations and, in doing so, strengthen our security for years to come,” Zamir said. “We knew there would be a price, and it underscores why we acted now, before it became too late.”
What are Netanyahu’s aims in the war on Iran?
Yossi Mekelberg, a consulting fellow at Chatham House, said that Netanyahu is pursuing several aims in Israel’s military operation in Iran.
The stated aim is to target Iran’s nuclear capabilities and reduce its regional influence. While Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar earlier denied that regime change is not one of the objectives, “obviously Israel would like to see [that]”, Mekelberg said, adding that this was a “rather unrealistic” outcome.
The current conflict is also helping Netanyahu delay his corruption trial indefinitely.
“In the last few weeks, he gave evidence in his corruption trial and it was cross-examined by the prosecution,” the analyst said. However, Iran’s attacks mean the proceedings are now going to be postponed “for a long time”.
Iran’s foreign minister says US opposed UNSC emergency session
Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said Iran requested an emergency session at the UN Security Council but that the request was turned down due to ‘interference’ by the US.
Tehran also requested an urgent meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over Israel’s attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
“We hope this session produces a resolution or at least a strong statement,” Aragchi told reporters.
The official also criticised the stance taken by the US and some European countries in favour of Israel.
“It is both astonishing and deeply regrettable that, even in the face of a blatant military strike on nuclear facilities – which are protected under international law – these countries failed to condemn the attack. Some even used language that implicitly legitimises it,” he said.
“Western backing of Israel only reinforces our conviction that we can count on no one but ourselves and our armed forces.”
Iran slams Israeli ‘surgical strikes’ as propaganda, says women and children killed
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei has accused Israel of spreading propaganda about its military operations, calling claims of “surgical strikes” with no civilian harm a blatant lie.
“In just three recent strikes in Tehran, 73 women and children were killed,” Baqaei said on X, adding that in one location – the Chamran residential complex – 20 children were killed, with 10 more still trapped under the rubble some 48 hours later.
“Targeting families, kids and women… That’s the routine barbarity,” he added.
Israeli propaganda: "Surgical strikes, no residential damage."
Reality: In just three recent strikes in Tehran, 73 women and kids killed; 20 children killed in Chamran residential complex, 10 still remain trapped under rubble 48 hours later.
Their 'surgical accuracy'?!…
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) June 15, 2025
