Iran Israel tensions | June 16 Highlights: Iran preparing for ‘largest missile attack’

Iran Israel conflict live updates: Israel has indicated its military campaign against Iran could continue for weeks, while Prime Minister Netanyahu has called on Iranian citizens to rise up against their Islamic clerical leadership – raising concerns of a broader regional war that could pull in international powers.

B’Tselem, a prominent Israeli human rights group, criticised the government’s approach on Saturday, stating that it had opted for war without fully exploring diplomatic solutions, thereby endangering the entire region.

At the same time, Tehran issued a warning to Israel’s allies, saying that any involvement in intercepting Iranian missiles would make their military bases in the region potential targets.

Iran Israel conflict live updates: Iran reported that the Shahran oil depot in Tehran was struck by an Israeli attack, but authorities said the situation was under control. A fire also broke out following a separate Israeli strike on an oil refinery near the capital. According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Israel also hit the defence ministry building in Tehran, though it sustained only minor damage.

In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they launched missiles and drones at Israeli energy infrastructure and facilities used to produce fuel for fighter jets. 

The elite force warned that Tehran’s retaliation would become “heavier and more extensive” if Israel continued its military aggression.

Iran Israel conflict live updates: Fresh explosions echoed across Tehran as Iranian missiles entered Israeli airspace in an attack that, according to Israeli emergency officials, killed four people in a Galilee apartment building, the Associated Press reported. 

There were no immediate casualty figures from Iran, where Israeli strikes hit the defense ministry headquarters in Tehran and other locations it claimed were linked to Iran’s nuclear program.

Meanwhile, planned nuclear talks between Iran and the United States were called off amid the escalating conflict, casting uncertainty over when — or how — a resolution to the hostilities might be reached.

Iran Israel conflict live updates: Air raid sirens and loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv early Sunday, according to AFP, as the exchange of fire between Israel and Iran entered its third day.

The Israeli military stated on X that millions across the country were "running for shelter as sirens sound" in numerous cities and towns.

Iran Israel conflict live updates: Both Israel’s military and Iranian state television confirmed a new wave of Iranian missile launches just before midnight, as explosions echoed and Israel’s security cabinet held an emergency meeting.

Meanwhile, Israel’s continued airstrikes across Iran have forced the remaining Iranian leadership to weigh a critical choice: escalate the confrontation with Israel’s militarily superior forces or pursue a diplomatic resolution to avoid further devastation.

Iran Israel conflict live updates: Iran reported that 78 people were killed on the first day of Israel’s offensive, with dozens more casualties the following day, according to Reuters. Among them were 60 people who died when a missile struck a 14-storey apartment building in Tehran—29 of the victims were children.

In response, Iran launched a retaliatory missile strike on Friday night, which killed at least three people in Israel.

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the military operation could continue for weeks and called on Iranians to rise up against their clerical leadership, concerns have intensified over the potential for a wider regional conflict involving external powers.

Iran Israel conflict live updates: Israel intensified its assault on Iran on Sunday, launching direct strikes on the country’s energy sector and the defense ministry headquarters. In response, Tehran fired a fresh wave of missiles, which were blamed for killing four people, according to Associated Press.

The simultaneous attacks marked a continuation of hostilities sparked by Israel’s surprise offensive two days earlier, aimed at crippling Iran’s fast-progressing nuclear program.

Fresh explosions rocked Tehran, while Iranian missiles reached Israeli territory. According to Israeli emergency services, four people were killed when a missile struck an apartment building in the Galilee region.