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Shafaq News
a day ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Attack Is Defense: Israel admits defense gaps as war with Iran intensifies
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Israel acknowledged its inability to intercept the full scale of Iranian missile attacks, signaling a shift in strategy toward intensified preemptive strikes, as both nations enter the third consecutive day of escalating cross-border assaults. In a rare public admission, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government stated, "We do not have an interceptor for every Iranian ballistic missile. The best defense is offense." The statement comes as Israel continues its offensive operations following Iran's large-scale missile barrage, dubbed " True Promise 3", launched late Saturday in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. Confirmed Damage and Casualties in Israel Israeli officials, including the army and the Oil Refineries Company, confirmed that critical infrastructure in the port city of Haifa was hit on Saturday night, particularly oil pipelines and transmission lines. While no fires were reported at the time, damage was described as structural, and engineers are conducting on-site evaluations. Iranian media, including IRIB and Mehr News, claimed a hypersonic missile was used to strike the Haifa facility. Israel has not confirmed the weapon type, but acknowledged that several missiles penetrated air defense systems, raising serious concerns over national preparedness. In Tel Aviv, thousands of civilians spent the night in underground parking garages amid widespread shelter shortages. The Home Front Command estimated that 40% of Israeli homes lack protection meeting current security standards. Municipal officials also declared several buildings at risk of collapse following the direct hits. Structural assessments are ongoing. The mayor of Bat Yam municipality confirmed that six people were killed and over 200 wounded in missile strikes. He warned that the death toll may rise as emergency teams continue search and recovery operations. Israel's Ministry of Health reported that nearly 400 people have been killed or injured since the start of Iran's retaliatory strikes on Tel Aviv and other areas. The toll includes 385 injured, seven of them critically, and at least 13 fatalities confirmed by police earlier. Iran Under Attack Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Israeli forces would continue to 'peel the skin off the Iranian snake' by dismantling missile and nuclear infrastructure across the region. 'The Iranian dictator is turning Tehran into Beirut,' he said, accusing Iran's leadership of endangering its own people to preserve power. On Sunday, Israel expanded its retaliatory campaign. In Isfahan, an official confirmed that a Ministry of Defense facility was hit, resulting in unspecified damage. Claims that the local oil refinery was struck were denied. The Isfahan refinery remains operational, according to the Iranian Oil Ministry. In Shiraz, Israeli strikes targeted an electronics factory, producing a large column of smoke. Damage assessments are ongoing. In Tehran, Israeli forces hit a Ministry of Defense building on Saturday night. Iranian outlet Tasnim reported minor damage. Iran's Civil Defense Authority announced it had contained fires at oil storage facilities in Shahran and southern Tehran, which were sparked by earlier Israeli strikes. At least 104 people were killed and over 376 people were injured, according to Iranian reports.
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First Post
a day ago
- Business
- First Post
Israel attacks world's largest gas field in Iran: What will be the impact?
Iran has been forced to partially shut operations at the South Pars gas field after a fire caused by an Israeli air strike. The South Pars gas field is the biggest in the world. But what do we know about it? What happened? What will be the impact? read more This frame grab taken from Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) shows a refinery in Iran's South Pars gas field after it was struck by an Israeli drone in Kangan. AP Israel has hit the largest gas field in the world. Iran has been forced to partially shut operations at the South Pars gas field after a fire caused by an Israeli air strike. The South Pars gas field is the biggest in the world. But what do we know about the field? What happened? What will be the impact? Let's take a closer look What happened? First, let's take a brief look at the South Pars gas field. The South Pars gas field is in Iran's southern province of Bushehr. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Located in the middle of the Gulf, it is jointly owned by Iran and Qatar (which calls it the North Dome). It spans 9700 square kilometres of which 3,700 square kilometers belongs to Iran. It comprises an oil field and a processing plant. It is thought to hold over 51 trillion cubic meters of natural gas. It holds around 48 per cent of Iran's natural gas reserves. It is responsible for most of Iran's natural gas production – which stands behind only the United States and Russia. A fire resulted as a result of the strike, according to Iranian authorities. People look at fire burning at South Pars gas field, in Tonbak, Bushehr Province, Iran, in this screen grab from a handout video released on June 14, 2025. Reuters The blaze, which occurred in one of the four units of Phase 14 of South Pars, has now been tamped down. It stopped production of 12 million cubic metres of gas. However, the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company said oil refining and storage facilities had not been damaged and continued to operate. Iran produces around 275 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas per year – around 6.5 per cent of global gas output – all of which is consumed domestically due to export restrictions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What will be the impact? This was Israel's first direct attack on Iran's oil and gas infrastructure. It marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nations. Analysts are worried about the possible fallout. 'This is probably the most important attack on oil and gas infrastructure since Abqaiq,' Jorge Leon, an analyst at Rystad Energy, talking about the 2019 attack on Saudi Arabian oil fields, told Bloomberg. 'This is a warning shot that Israel is willing to hit Iranian energy infrastructure if Israeli civilians are targeted, ' Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at Energy Aspects, told The New York Times. Oil prices had already surged 14 per cent on Friday after Israel attacked Iran. The price of oil eventually settled seven per cent higher – at $73 (Rs 6,200 per barrel). This fresh attack could push oil prices even higher from tomorrow (June 16). Experts also fear the conflict in West Asia could disrupt the flow of oil to the rest of the world. Iran, which is part of Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), currently produces around 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It exports over 2 million bpd of oil and fuel. 'Israeli action has so far avoided Iranian energy infrastructure, including Kharg Island, the terminal responsible for an estimated 90 per cent of Iran's crude oil exports,' said Ben Hoff, head of commodity research at Societe Generale. 'This raises the possibility that any further escalation could follow an 'energy-for-energy' logic where an attack on one side's oil infrastructure might invite a retaliatory strike on the other's,' Hoff said. With inputs from agencies
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Israel Launches Fresh Strikes On Iran After Targeting Nuclear Sites
Israel has launched a fresh wave of attack on Iran, per a BBC report. Meanwhile, air defences across Iran were activated, as a result of the air strikes, Iranian state media reported. Per Press TV, missiles were intercepted in the southern part of Tehran. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) also reported about fresh strikes in west Tehran. A city near Tehran, Karaj, had also been targeted, per IRIB. The BBC has verified a video that shows the aftermath of a fresh strike near Tehran. On Friday, Israel had attacked Iran's capital, that targeted the country's nuclear program and killed at least two top military officers, raising the potential for an all-out war between the two bitter Middle East adversaries. It appeared to be the most significant attack Iran has faced since its 1980s war with Iraq. The operation also killed senior officials and scientists. The leader of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, Gen. Hossein Salami, was confirmed dead. The chief of staff of Iranian armed forces, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri was also confirmed dead by state media, apart from officials and scientists. About 200 Israeli aircrafts took part in Friday's operation and hit about 100 targets. Israel's army chief spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said that Iran had also launched more than 100 drones towards Israel and that, "all the defense systems are acting to intercept the threats." Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei said that Israel "opened its wicked and blood-stained hand to a crime in our beloved country, revealing its malicious nature more than ever by striking residential centers." However, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that he hoped the attacks would trigger the downfall of Iran's theocracy and he also told the people of Iran that the fight was not with them, but with the "brutal dictatorship that has oppressed you for 46 years."
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First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Hubris and havoc: How Iran's overconfidence may have led to 'pre-emptive' Israeli strikes
Friday, the 13th of June 2025, proved deadly for Tehran, as the Islamic Republic of Iran suffered a when Israeli strikes devastated the capital and other cities, assassinating top military commanders and nuclear scientists—including Iranian military chief Mohammad Bagheri and IRGC Chief Commander General Hossein Salami. The scale, precision and brazenness of the attack shocked observers worldwide. However, a closer look at Iran's trajectory leading up to the strike suggests the country may have invited its own devastation through a posture of overconfidence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite persistent regional instability, mounting international pressure and stark warnings from both regional and global actors, Iran doubled down on militarisation, escalated its nuclear activities, and dismissed diplomatic overtures. In doing so, it misread the resolve of its adversaries and miscalculated its strategic depth. Warning signs ignored: Iran's military bravado In the months leading up to the June 2025 strikes, Iran broadcasted an image of military invincibility. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), under the command of General Salami, repeatedly showcased its growing arsenal and underground missile cities, claiming readiness for any conflict. Reports say that Iran unveiled yet another subterranean missile base on June 8, boasting upgraded cruise and ballistic missiles designed to counter electronic warfare and engage naval targets. State media portrayed these facilities as key components of deterrence against Israel and the United States, reinforcing the belief that Iran's missile capabilities could forestall any serious military incursion. Still, these shows of strength may have given Tehran a false sense of safety. As seen on IRIB footage, General Salami confidently said that Iran's missile power was 'increasing every day,' even though enemies said otherwise. This kind of talk reflected a broader belief within the Iranian leadership—that their strengths in things like ballistic missiles, drones, and regional proxy groups would protect the Islamic Republic from a direct fight with Israel or the United States. The fatal miscalculation: Nuclear provocation Iran's confidence was not confined to the military domain. On Thursday, hours before Israeli began strikes, Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation, declared the formal launch of a third uranium enrichment facility, described as 'secure' and advanced in both safety and secrecy. Iranian media gave wide coverage to his statements. Eslami's announcement came hours after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors passed a censure resolution against Iran, initiated by the European trio—Britain, France and Germany—and supported by the United States. Amid rising global concern and escalating tension over its nuclear ambitions, Iran intensified its defiance meant to assert its independent military and energy policy. Behrouz Kamalvandi, Eslami's deputy, stated that Iran's cooperation with the IAEA—already extensive by his account—was now 'under review,' implying possible withdrawal from transparency commitments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kamalvandi said Iran accounted for 72 per cent of all IAEA inspections under Safeguards Agreements, yet this unprecedented scrutiny did not appear to temper the regime's rhetoric. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed that the resolution 'added to the complexity' of nuclear talks, Iranian media reported. While Tehran framed its nuclear programme as peaceful, pointing to the supreme leader's decree against nuclear weapons, its simultaneous expansion of enrichment activities and reduction in cooperation with the IAEA sent a different message to the international community. Warnings from allies and adversaries alike Even Iran's former adversaries tried to pull it back from the brink. In a high-stakes diplomatic manoeuvre, Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman visited Tehran in April 2025, delivering a message from King Salman to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reuters reported that the prince urged Iran to take US President Donald Trump's offer for renewed nuclear talks seriously, warning that failure could lead to war—likely spearheaded by Israel. The urgency of Saudi Arabia's warning reflected a growing regional consensus: Iran's posture was heightening instability. The kingdom feared that Israel , emboldened by Iran's intransigence and provoked by Tehran's support for Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, might strike decisively. These concerns were also shared by US officials, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in his post-attack statement on Friday, clarifying that Israel's attack on Iran was unilateral and not backed by the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the rare convergence of warnings—from Arab rivals, Western diplomats and even economic indicators within Iran's own borders—Tehran persisted in its antagonistic strategy. It continued importing ballistic missile ingredients like ammonium perchlorate from China, a The Wall Street Journal report said, and funnelled military supplies to regional militias, all while dismissing diplomatic outreach. The consequence: Israel-Iran military conflict The results of this overconfidence were devastating. On Friday morning, Israeli strikes penetrated deep into Iranian territory, hitting targets not only in Tehran but also in Bushehr and near Natanz. Plumes of smoke over Tehran's skyline were documented by local eyewitnesses, confirming civilian casualties, including women and children. Among the dead was Bagheri and Salami, whose assassination was confirmed by the Iranian state media. The attacks also killed nuclear scientists Mohammad-Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi, key figures in Iran's nuclear establishment. The targeting of such high-value individuals indicated not just a tactical operation, but a strategic dismantling of Iran's defence and deterrence apparatus. Explosions at the Natanz nuclear plant—previously defended in massive military exercises just weeks earlier—exposed the vulnerabilities of Iran's much-touted 'point defence' shield. The 'Eqtedar 1403' exercise emphasised resilience against electronic warfare and sabotage, but these preparations proved insufficient in the face of a sophisticated Israeli assault. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran's strategic blind spots: Misreading its own position Iran's failure to anticipate or repel the Israeli strikes was rooted in a broader strategic misreading of its position. Domestically, the leadership appeared to believe that resilience and self-reliance—hallmarks of the Islamic Republic's ideology—could override practical limitations. The unveiling of new gas turbines, meant to rival those built by General Electric and Siemens, was used by Iranian media to tout domestic technological prowess. However, such symbolism did little to deter external aggression or fix internal vulnerabilities. Regionally, Iran misjudged the loyalty and capability of its Axis of Resistance allies. After years of Israeli and US strikes, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza had been significantly weakened, while Iran's closest state ally, Bashar al-Assad in Syria, had fallen from power. Iran attempted to compensate by supplying ballistic missiles to Iraqi militias and the Houthis, but these efforts were both risky and insufficient. Even the shipment of thousands of tonnes of missile fuel from China could not offset the reality that Iran's regional network was collapsing under pressure. Internationally, Iran underestimated how rapidly the window for diplomacy could close. President Trump's surprise offer for nuclear negotiations in early 2025 was a rare opening. Yet, Tehran's internal factionalism, deep distrust of the West and a belief in its own strategic indispensability prevented it from seizing the moment. Reuters reported that Saudi officials made it clear that Trump was impatient and that Israeli military options were being prepared in parallel to diplomatic efforts. Iran failed to heed these warnings. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Overconfidence, a strategic folly Iran's posture in early 2025 illustrates a classic case of strategic overreach. Convinced of its deterrence capabilities and ideological righteousness, Tehran believed it could outlast international pressure while expanding its military and nuclear footprint. Instead, it suffered one of the most crippling military strikes on its soil in decades. Iran assumed that the world would hesitate to escalate a conflict with a nation so deeply entrenched in regional networks and so committed to asymmetrical warfare. But as The Jerusalem Post had pointed out earlier in the year, even Iran's new missile bases appeared underwhelming in capability, exposing gaps between Tehran's rhetoric and its actual readiness. Furthermore, storing massive quantities of volatile materials like ammonium perchlorate also aggravated domestic disaster. An April explosion at the Shahid Rajaee port due to mishandled missile propellant highlighted the risks of Iran's military-industrial buildup. This overconfidence in technical capacity, without adequate safeguards, indicated how hubris might have permeated Iran's decision-making. Iran did not seek annihilation, but through a series of calculated escalations, misjudgments and dismissals of diplomacy, it seems to have advanced what could have possibly come later at a different stage of power equation. The country placed disproportionate faith in deterrence by missile, support from regional proxies and the symbolic power of revolutionary resistance. It ignored earnest diplomatic overtures, dismissed credible intelligence signals and underestimated the resolve of its adversaries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Irish Independent
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Iran claims to have acquired thousands of secret Israeli military documents
©Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Today at 21:30 Iran has acquired thousands of secret Israeli nuclear and defence documents, according to its state TV broadcaster. An IRIB report on Saturday claimed: 'Iran's intelligence apparatus has obtained a vast quantity of strategic and sensitive information and documents belonging to the Zionist regime'. Register for free to read this story Register and create a profile to get access to our free stories. You'll also unlock more free stories each week.
