Israel launches fresh round of strikes on Iran

TEHRAN/TEL AVIV: Reports from Israel media outlets indicate that another round of strikes against Iran began, with explosions reported in the southern-central city of Shiraz.

Further details were not given, and there has been no official confirmation from either Israeli or Iranian officials.

Read more: Israel begins it long-promised attack on Iran

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim that they are targeting military facilities within Iran as a ‘response’ to what they justify as ongoing ‘attacks’ by Iran and its “affiliates”.

 Meanwhile, Iranian media outlets reported that multiple explosions were heard in and around the capital, Tehran. Air defense systems were activated as well.

However, sources indicate that no military installations belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have been hit.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that Israeli drone strikes resulted in the deaths of 12 Palestinians who were awaiting humanitarian assistance, Al Jazeera reported.

The United Nations Human Rights Chief cautioned that Israeli’s brutality in northern Gaza ‘may’ amount to atrocity crimes, potentially as crimes against humanity.

Almost 43,000 Palestinians have perished due to Israeli brutality and genocide as the occupying forces relentlessly bombarded the encircled enclave since October last year.

More than 100,000 people have been injured in the besieged enclave, with UN and human rights organisations warning of famine.

The IDF confirmed it “targeted strikes on military” marks within Iran. The occupying forces stated that its “defensive and offensive capabilities are fully engaged”.

According to reports, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini ordered the Iranian military to be ready for war.

Meanwhile, a United States official acknowledged that they were made aware by Israel about the intended strikes. The official described them as an “act of self-defense”, ignoring the fact Israel has attacked three sovereign states with impunity and without suffering any consequences.

Further details are awaited from Israeli sources whether this was a one-off attack or the start of a wider military offensive.

Read more: US denies involvement in Israel attack on Iran

Israel has not raised the state of alert and so far, no instructions have been issued to the Israeli public.