Egypt Daily News – In a significant escalation of regional hostilities, Iran has launched a series of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli air bases and intelligence facilities, according to statements from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and reports from Iranian state and semi-official media.
The IRGC announced that a large number of missiles were launched in what it described as the tenth wave of military operations targeting air bases used by the Israeli Air Force. “During this wave, an operation was carried out using a large number of missiles on the air bases of the Zionist regime’s army, from where their fighters fly out towards our country,” read the IRGC statement, as quoted by Iran’s state broadcaster.
The strikes come in direct response to Israel’s recent military campaign, Operation Rising Lion, which was launched on June 13. Israel claimed it had targeted several military installations as well as critical infrastructure associated with Iran’s nuclear program. The campaign reportedly included multiple airstrikes in and around Tehran, resulting in the deaths of senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists.
In retaliation, Iran initiated Operation True Promise 3 later that evening, targeting military sites within Israel. The latest wave appears to be part of a broader Iranian effort to dismantle key Israeli military and intelligence capabilities.
Targeting Israel’s Intelligence Apparatus
In a separate but related development, Iran claims it has inflicted heavy losses on Israel’s intelligence community. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, Iranian missiles struck Mossad’s operations planning center in Tel Aviv and several other intelligence facilities belonging to the Israeli military intelligence directorate, Aman.
“A significant number of senior officers and commanders from both Mossad and Aman were killed in the attack,” Tasnim reported, citing IRGC sources. The report alleges that due to wartime censorship regulations, Israeli media have not disclosed the full extent of the casualties, particularly among high-ranking intelligence officials.
While Israeli authorities have not publicly confirmed the Iranian claims, unofficial sources suggest a heightened state of emergency within Israel’s defense and intelligence establishments. Reports indicate that Israeli air defense systems intercepted some projectiles, though several targets were hit, leading to undisclosed casualties and damage.
A Broader Conflict?
The recent exchange marks one of the most intense phases in the long-standing shadow war between Iran and Israel. Tensions have escalated dramatically since April 2024, when Iran launched its first direct missile and drone attack on Israeli territory following Israeli strikes on Iranian consular facilities in Syria.
The international community has expressed growing concern over the possibility of a full-scale regional war. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session later this week to address the rapidly deteriorating situation.
As of now, both nations appear committed to a cycle of retaliation, with neither side showing signs of de-escalation. The potential for further conflict remains high, with broader implications for regional stability across the Middle East.
