Israel, Iran trade threats as conflict escalates
Israel has threatened to strike 'every target of the ayatollah regime' in Iran, whose President warned of a severe response if the Israeli attacks continue, fuelling fears of an escalating conflict.
The threats came as the two longtime foes continued to exchange fire after Israel unleashed an unprecedented aerial bombing
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Euronews
18 minutes ago
- Euronews
What do we know about Israel's Weizmann Institute?
In a dangerous development in the mutual escalation between Iran and Israel, an Iranian missile hit the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, south of Tel Aviv, at dawn on Sunday. The Weizmann Institute is one of the most important scientific centres in Israel and the world. Its roots date back to 1934, when it was founded by Chaim Weizmann under the name "Daniel Seif Research", before it was renamed in 1949 after its founder, who later became the first president of Israel. Today, the institute is home to some 2,500 researchers and staff and offers advanced master's and doctoral programmes in fields including mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, biology and computer science. It has more than 30 scientific laboratories, a huge library, as well as residential and lecture facilities. But the institute is not just an academic facility; it is seen as part of Israel's national security infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in supporting the military through advanced research and technology. The Weizmann Institute is one of the pillars of technological innovation in Israel, directly contributing to the development of complex military systems, including: - Artificial intelligence for data analysis and combat guidance. - Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies and autonomous systems. - Advanced electronic tracking and jamming tools. - Alternative GPS navigation systems. - Protection of military codes. - Encrypted communication in hostile environments. - Research in directed energy and nuclear applications. - Development of field treatments for injured soldiers. These activities partly explain why the institute is considered a strategic target for Tehran, especially after recent Israeli strikes on military facilities and prominent Iranian scientists. It is notable that theIsraeli media did not show pictures or share accurate details about the extent of the damage, in accordance with strict instructions from the military censors that prevent the disclosure of injuries or damage to sensitive facilities. This reticence reflects the extent of the security embarrassment resulting from the breach of air defences, and highlights the vulnerability of Israeli infrastructure to precise attacks. The institute is generously funded by the Israeli government, in addition to significant support from international organisations, which enhances its ability to attract minds and develop projects that serve scientific and military progress. The institute also serves as a platform for international scientific collaborations, which could create diplomatic tension if investigations prove that sensitive internationally supported scientific facilities were directly attacked. The Israeli military has warned Iran on Sunday to immediately evacuate 'military weapons production factories,' likely signalling new strikes. Col. Avichay Adraee, a military spokesperson, posted the warning on the social platform X in Farsi. In the past, Adraee has signalled other strikes in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Yemen amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. His warning came just after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would stop its attacks on Israel if Israel stopped its strikes. Our journalists are working on this developing story.
News18
24 minutes ago
- News18
Iran Denies Israel's Attack On World's Largest Gas Field: Why South Pars Is Key To Global Energy Ops
Last Updated: Iran shares the South Pars gas field with Qatar. Striking it would mark a major escalation in the conflict, which had already pushed oil prices up 9% on Friday Contrary to media reports, Iran oil ministry on Sunday denied Israel's attack on their oil and gas sector, claiming the Isfahan refinery operations continue without disruption. The semi-official Tasnim news agency had on Saturday reported that Iran had partially suspended gas production at the world's biggest gas field after an Israeli strike caused fire at South Pars gas field. Israel launched an air offensive against Iran on Friday, killing commanders and scientists and bombing nuclear sites in a stated bid to stop Tehran building an atomic weapon. Iran shares the South Pars gas field with Qatar. Striking it would mark a major escalation in the conflict, which had already pushed oil prices up 9% on Friday even though Israel spared Iran's oil and gas on the first day of its attacks. Operations at the Isfahan refinery continue without disruption, Iran's oil ministry told state media on Sunday, denying reports of an incident or attack against the facility.— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) June 15, 2025 The South Pars field is located offshore in Iran's southern Bushehr province and is responsible for the lion's share of gas production in Iran, the world's third largest gas producer after the United States and Russia. The fire broke out in one of the four units of Phase 14 of South Pars, halting production of 12 million cubic metres of gas, Tasnim had said. Iran produces around 275 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas per year or some 6.5% of global gas output, and consumes it domestically as it cannot export gas due to sanctions. Iran shares the field with Qatar, which calls the field North Field. Qatar produces 77 million tonnes of liquefied gas from the field with the help of global majors such as Exxon and Shell and supplies the gas to Europe and Asia. Israel had so far restricted its strikes to military and nuclear installations. The South Pars gas field attack could change the dynamics. 'This is probably the most important attack on oil and gas infrastructure since Abqaiq," said Jorge Leon, an analyst at Rystad Energy, referencing the 2019 attack on Saudi oil facilities that shook global markets, as per Bloomberg. THE TIMING Israeli strikes have come at a bad timing for Iran, which is grappling with nationwide protests over chronic water and power shortages. Blackouts have cost industries $20 billion annually, worsened by IRGC-linked Bitcoin mining diverting electricity from civilians. Hyperinflation has exceeded 50% for seven consecutive years, with the currency collapsing to 828,500 rials against one USD. Critical shortages of medicine, fuel, and electricity have eroded public trust. Protesters in 155 cities have been chanting 'No Light, No Water, No Future'. Cement prices have surged 200% in three months, and unpaid bread subsidies have triggered baker strikes. IRGC-controlled conglomerates like Setad and Khatam Base dominate over 50% of the GDP. Public anger is fuelled by scandals, including a $3.7 billion fraud by Debsh Tea. Over 50% of voters boycotted recent elections, showing widespread disillusionment. Movements like 'Women, Life, Freedom' from 2022 persist despite crackdowns. WILL KHARG, HORMUZ BE NEXT? There are fears that Israel could attack Iran's main oil export terminal Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz, through which 21 per cent of the world's LNG and 14 million barrels of crude oil daily pass. Earlier, there were fears that Iran would block Hormuz supply line. 'This is a warning shot that Israel is willing to hit Iranian energy infrastructure if Israeli civilians are targeted," said Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at Energy Aspects, as per The NYT. Analysts warn that if the conflict continues to escalate, Qatar's energy operations and Israel's own infrastructure could also become targets. Both countries play critical roles in energy exports, and any attack could create ripple effects across Asia, Europe, and global supply chains. IMPACT ON US, CHINA In the 1970s, Iran accounted for 10 per cent of the world's oil production. However, after the 1979 revolution, the US crippled the Iranian economy by announcing sweeping sanctions on Tehran. The United States tightened sanctions in 2018 after Trump exited a nuclear accord during his first presidential term. Iran's oil exports fell to nearly zero for some months. China is the biggest importer of Iranian oil. It says it does not recognise sanctions against its trade partners. The main buyers of Iranian oil are Chinese private refiners, some of whom have recently been placed in the US Treasury sanctions list. top videos View all If Israel attacks Iran's oil and gas production, it may also impact China, the United States' biggest strategic and economic rival. Analysts, however, say Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members could compensate for the drop of Iranian supply by using their spare capacity to pump more. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Israel Iran tension Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 15, 2025, 14:59 IST News explainers Iran Denies Israel's Attack On World's Largest Gas Field: Why South Pars Is Key To Global Energy Ops
West Australian
24 minutes ago
- West Australian
Israel warns Iranians near weapons facilities to leave
Israel is warning Iranians living near weapons production facilities in Tehran to evacuate as the two nations continue to exchange missile attacks. "The Israeli military will strike these sites and will continue to peel away the Iranian snake's skin in Tehran and everywhere - targeting nuclear capabilities and weapons systems," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement on Sunday. Israel had earlier issued an evacuation warning to Iranians residing near weapons facilities in Iran, an Israeli military spokesperson said in a post on X in Arabic and Farsi. The spokesperson said the warning included all weapons factories and supporting facilities. Israel launched its biggest military strike against Iran on Friday, saying its goal was to stop Iran from developing atomic weapons and to take out Iran's ballistic missile capabilities.
