Israel army says struck weapons research centre in Tehran
Israel's military said Friday it struck dozens of targets in Tehran overnight, including what it called a centre for the "research and development of Iran's nuclear weapons project," in the eighth day of war between the two foes.
In a statement, the army said it had "completed a series of strikes in the heart of Tehran: dozens of targets were struck, including military missile production sites and the SPND (Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research) headquarters for research and development of Iran's nuclear weapons project."
According to the Israeli military the SPND headquarters "is used for research and development of advanced technologies and weapons supporting the Iranian regime's military capabilities."
The army said that during the night on Thursday more than 60 fighter jets struck dozens of military targets.
"Among the targets were sites producing missile components and facilities manufacturing raw materials used in casting missile engines," it added.
The military also said it intercepted overnight four UAVs launched from Iran.
In a separate statement, the army said on Friday it had hit "three ready-to-launch missile launchers aimed at Israeli territory".
Israel, claiming that Iran was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon, launched air strikes against its arch-enemy a week ago, triggering deadly exchanges.
European foreign ministers will hold talks Friday with their Iranian counterpart, hoping to reach a diplomatic solution to the war as US President Donald Trump mulls the prospect of US involvement.
Agence France-Presse
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


TAG 91.1
33 minutes ago
- TAG 91.1
UAE evacuates citizens and residents from Iran
The UAE has evacuated a number of its citizens and residents from Iran, in coordination with relevant authorities. The operation reflects the country's ongoing commitment to the safety of its people and its ability to respond swiftly to emergencies. Officials confirmed that the evacuation was carried out in cooperation with Iranian counterparts to ensure a safe return home. The UAE continues to engage in diplomatic consultations with regional and international partners, focusing on efforts to reduce tensions and promote stability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised the UAE's position that diplomacy and dialogue remain the preferred path forward.


Middle East Eye
an hour ago
- Middle East Eye
Ali Shamkhani: Iranian negotiator thought killed by Israel is alive, says state media
A senior Iranian negotiator who was suspected killed in an Israeli air strike in Tehran last week is alive, according to state media. Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Iran's supreme leader and representative at talks with the United States, was thought among the senior Iranian officials reportedly killed by Israeli attacks in the early hours of 13 June. However, on Friday, state media in Iran carried a letter from Shamkhani addressed to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in which he stated he was, in fact, alive. "I am alive and ready to sacrifice myself," read the letter, which was reported by several Iranian outlets, including state-owned broadcaster IRIB and Tasnim, which is linked to the Revolutionary Guard. "Victory is near. The name of Iran will be immortalised in the highest history as usual," the purported letter said. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters A range of Israeli and Iranian outlets initially reported that Shamkhani had been killed in a blast that struck his home. Samira - not her real name - a Tehran resident who lives directly opposite Shamkhani's residence, told Middle East Eye earlier this week it was a "miracle" she had survived the blast herself. "We got up from the ground in fear and realised the apartment across from ours had been bombed," she said. "Both my husband and I were thrown from our bed. The explosions didn't stop. We had no idea what was happening." Khamenei assassination could draw Hezbollah into Israel-Iran hostilities, say sources Read More » Several Iranian media outlets, including IRNA, Tasnim and Fars, said on Friday that Shamkhani had been "severely injured and taken to hospital" after the blast and is now "in stable condition". No new photos have been released of the advisor, however. Shamkhani had been leading Iran's talks with the US over limitations to the country's nuclear programme when Israel launched a surprise assault that has killed hundreds. A range of senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists have been slain over the past week, while Israel has struck much of the country's nuclear infrastructure. On Friday, thousands of people demonstrated against Israel in Tehran, chanting slogans in support of their leaders, according to images broadcast by state television. "This is the Friday of solidarity and resistance of the Iranian nation throughout the country," said a news anchor. Demonstrators reportedly held portraits of commanders killed since the start of the war with Israel, while others waved Iranian and Hezbollah flags. According to the state broadcaster, other demonstrations took place in cities across the country, including Tabriz in northwest Iran, and Shiraz in the south.


Arabian Post
an hour ago
- Arabian Post
EU Intensifies Oversight of Musk's xAI–X Deal
European Commission regulators have launched an in-depth inquiry into the corporate restructuring of X following its $33 billion acquisition by Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI in March. Officials have issued formal information requests probing whether the deal reshaped the obligations and liabilities under the Digital Services Act, which could trigger fines of up to 6 per cent of global turnover or even a suspension of operations within the EU. At stake is not merely compliance but scope. Brussels is examining if revenue from Musk's wider corporate empire—including xAI, SpaceX, Neuralink and The Boring Company—should be aggregated with X's earnings when calculating any DSA penalty. Such consolidation would dramatically increase the financial stakes, positioning the potential fine among the largest ever under the regulation. This intensified scrutiny builds upon a probe initiated in December 2023 over allegations that X failed to curb harmful content and employed deceptive design. The spotlight has honed in on features such as the blue check verification, which critics say misled users into attributing credibility purely on subscription status. X has contested these accusations, reflecting the gravity with which Brussels regards compliance under the DSA. ADVERTISEMENT Regulatory sources indicate that Brussels aims to reach a decision before its summer recess in August 2025—though there remains a possibility that deliberations will extend. If a penalty is levied, whether tied solely to X or inclusive of Musk's other holdings, the platform could face a multi‑billion‑dollar bill. Repeat offenders risk more severe sanctions, including operational bans within the bloc. The commission's current line of inquiry follows earlier requests for internal documentation on X's algorithmic decision‑making and moderation protocols issued in January 2025, aimed at uncovering systemic bias or political amplification. EU digital chief Henna Virkkunen has signalled that the commission's enforcement of the DSA will be uniform across all major platforms—regardless of headline-grabbing personalities or companies. For the xAI–X merger, Brussels appears particularly concerned with whether the March acquisition alters liability thresholds or the classification of X as a 'Very Large Online Platform'—a designation that comes with more rigorous reporting and compliance obligations. The structure of the deal could influence if DSA fines are calculated based solely on X or on the broader Musk group. European digital regulators are keen to demonstrate the potency of the DSA, which took effect in late 2022, aiming to set a precedent in holding tech giants accountable across interconnected corporate structures. X's contested manoeuvres with the blue checkmark and structural repositioning have become emblematic of the challenges regulators face enforcing meaningful accountability. Musk's companies have so far declined to respond to the commission's most recent information requests. Meanwhile, EU officials continue to gather internal documents, revenue data and structural filings to determine the extent of exposure under DSA provisions before any final ruling.