Category: Middle East

Strikes hit civilian areas in Tamra and Bat Yam; over 200 wounded in escalating regional conflict Tel Aviv – June 13, 2025Iranian forces launched approximately 80 ballistic missiles at northern and central Israel overnight, according to estimates cited by Israeli Army Radio and The Times of Israel. The attacks occurred in two volleys, causing significant civilian casualties and widespread damage. Military sources reported that the first wave of 40 missiles targeted northern Israel. One missile struck a residential home in the predominantly Palestinian town of Tamra, killing four civilians. The second barrage of 35 missiles was directed at central Israel. One missile hit the coastal city of Bat Yam, resulting in at least six deaths and nearly 200 injuries. Another missile struck Rehovot, injuring 40 people, local emergency services confirmed. In addition to the missile strikes, the Israeli military reported intercepting seven drones launched toward Israeli territory earlier in the morning. There has been no immediate comment from Iranian authorities regarding the strikes. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching additional missiles toward central Israel, saying the operation was conducted in coordination with Iran. The attacks mark a dangerous escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran, with increasing signs of a broader regional alignment involving allied non-state actors.

By [ Kamal Yalwa], International Affairs Correspondent Tehran, June 13, 2025 — Russia has signed an agreement to construct eight nuclear power plants in Iran, including four new reactors in the southern city of Bushehr, according to Iranian state media IRNA on Monday. The announcement was made by Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), underscoring deepening nuclear cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. The expansion comes as Iran seeks to increase its domestic energy output and strengthen strategic ties with Russia amid mounting international scrutiny over its nuclear ambitions. Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad previously revealed in April that Russia would fund the construction of a new nuclear plant in Iran. He said the initiative would include the completion of phases two and three of the Bushehr nuclear power plant using a Russian credit line. “Russia and Iran will jointly undertake the construction of new nuclear energy facilities,” Paknejad said, signaling a broader energy partnership between the two nations. Russia has long played a central role in Iran’s nuclear development. Moscow helped Tehran construct its first civilian nuclear reactor in Bushehr, which went online in 2011 under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight. However, the announcement has renewed concerns in the West over Iran’s growing nuclear infrastructure. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi described Iran as his “biggest preoccupation” among nuclear-powered nations. He cited limited access for international inspectors and Iran’s continued enrichment of uranium to levels far above civilian-use thresholds. Grossi and other Western officials have warned that Iran’s expanding nuclear program — including cooperation with sanctioned states like Russia — raises proliferation risks and may further destabilize an already tense Middle East. The new Russia-Iran nuclear pact is expected to draw close scrutiny from both the IAEA and Western governments, especially amid ongoing tensions over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and the breakdown of nuclear negotiations with global powers.

Three killed, dozens injured; baby rescued from rubble; residents trapped for hours in safe rooms By Kamal Yalwa Middle East Correspondent Tel Aviv, June 14, 2025 — Israelis in central cities including Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Rishon Lezion are describing scenes of fear, chaos, and devastation after a wave of Iranian missile strikes slammed into residential neighborhoods early Saturday, killing at least three people and injuring dozens. The strikes, which began shortly after midnight, followed an Israeli offensive on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities and marked one of the most direct confrontations between the two regional adversaries in recent history. Although the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported intercepting most of the incoming projectiles, several missiles armed with high-explosive warheads pierced air defenses and struck densely populated areas. Trapped in Terror: Survivors Speak “We shut the door, started watching the news through the computer, and suddenly there was a boom so loud that the whole building teetered,” said Tali Horesh, a Tel Aviv resident who was trapped with her family in their high-rise apartment’s safe room for nearly two hours. “The entire living room was full of smoke,” she told Ynet, describing shattered lower floors, flooding, torn-off doors, and a ruined building lobby. Colonel (res.) Michael David, head of the IDF Home Front Command in Tel Aviv, called it an “unprecedented event.” “We’re talking about high-rise buildings with hundreds of residents. It’s a painstaking task ensuring no one is left behind,” he said, noting that rescue teams — including medics, firefighters, police, engineers, and sniffer dogs — worked through the night to clear debris and locate survivors. Rishon Lezion: A Baby Pulled From the Rubble In nearby Rishon Lezion, a missile destroyed part of a residential complex, killing two people, including 73-year-old Yisrael Aloni. More than 20 were wounded. Amid the wreckage, emergency crews pulled a three-month-old baby from the debris. “I pulled her into my arms and gave her to the first police officer I saw,” said Fire and Rescue Captain Idan Chen. “There were people trapped above, fires burning across the street, complete destruction.” The baby sustained only minor injuries. Neighborhoods in Ruins Residents described scrambling into shelters as sirens wailed, and then stepping out into chaos. “We were sleeping — my wife’s abroad — and when the siren came, I grabbed the kids and rushed to the safe room,” said Avi Gatenio, a Rishon Lezion resident. Minutes later, an explosion rocked the area. Gatenio said he helped pull an elderly couple from the rubble before rushing back to his children. “Thank God, nothing happened to us,” he said, pointing to glass shards. “But glass like that can hit a kid’s central artery and kill them.” Rising Tensions Over Nuclear Threat Iran’s barrage followed Israeli strikes that reportedly hit key elements of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear infrastructure and missile development programs, in what many analysts see as a preemptive effort to prevent Iran from reaching weapons-grade uranium enrichment. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, yet continues to enrich uranium to 60% — far exceeding civilian needs and just short of weapons-grade levels. Israel and its allies view this as a red line. As retaliatory strikes continue on both sides, fears are growing of a full-scale regional war with devastating consequences. International Reaction Expected World leaders have called for restraint, but both Iran and Israel appear resolute. Israeli military operations inside Iran reportedly continue, while Iran’s state media praised the “heroic” missile retaliation. The full scope of damage across central Israel is still being assessed, with rescue efforts ongoing and residents facing the grim reality of homes reduced to rubble.

At least 15 people have been injured in central Israel, according to a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which cites emergency medical services. Among the wounded, one person is reported to be in moderate condition, while the remaining injuries are believed to be minor. Details about the cause of the incident are still emerging, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether it was the result of an attack or another form of emergency. Emergency responders are currently on the scene, and further information is expected as the situation develops.