According to reports by Iranian News Agency IRNA on Friday, June 20, Iran has initiated a new phase of missile attacks targeting Israel, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two regional powers. Reports from both Iranian and regional media on Friday indicated that heavy explosions were heard in southern parts of what Iran refers to as “occupied Palestine,” including areas near Ashkelon and Beersheba.
According to Iranian state-affiliated sources, the strikes were part of a broader military response to recent Israeli operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure and nuclear sites. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the missile launches, stating they were aimed at “strategic and military targets” in southern Israel.
Residents in several Israeli towns reported hearing loud explosions and witnessing the activation of air defense systems. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it intercepted several incoming projectiles but acknowledged that some missiles had reached their intended targets, causing damage to infrastructure and minor injuries. Emergency response teams were deployed to assess the situation and provide assistance.
This latest barrage follows a week of heightened military activity, including Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory and Iran’s retaliatory drone and missile attacks. The Iranian government has maintained that its military actions are in self-defense, citing what it describes as repeated violations of its sovereignty by Israel.
Iranian military officials emphasized that this new phase of operations would continue until what they termed “Zionist aggression” is brought to an end. A statement from the IRGC warned that “no part of the Israeli-occupied territories is beyond our reach,” underscoring Tehran’s readiness for a prolonged confrontation.
Meanwhile, the international community has expressed growing concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region. The United Nations, the European Union, and several major world powers have called for an immediate de-escalation and the resumption of diplomatic channels to prevent a broader regional war.
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