Tehran has reported the downing of 28 Israeli aircraft over the past 24 hours, including Hermes drones—long-range surveillance and attack UAVs frequently used by Israel in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria—as well as F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.

Iran also claims it has intercepted several manned aircraft and successfully countered Israel’s electronic warfare systems.

Iran’s Chief of Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, announced that Iran is preparing to launch a “punitive operation” against what he described as the “occupying Zionist regime.”
He stated that prior Iranian responses were mainly warnings or defensive actions.
“This time, it will be different,” Mousavi warned.
He urged residents of Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa to evacuate to save their lives, adding, “Don’t become casualties of Netanyahu’s brutal ambitions.”
Mousavi emphasized that Iran has never bowed to aggression and does not intend to do so now.

The Iranian government has issued a warning to its citizens against using WhatsApp, Telegram, and other location-based apps, claiming they are being used by Israel to track and attack individuals.
State media IRIB reported the announcement on Tuesday.
In response, a WhatsApp spokesperson stated:

“We are deeply concerned that such false accusations might be used as a pretext to block our services. We do not track users’ precise locations, nor do we retain message logs or share user data with governments at scale.”

A Washington D.C.-based human rights organization reports that Israeli airstrikes across Iran have killed at least 585 people and injured 1,326 others. Among the dead are 239 civilians and 126 security personnel. Iran has not consistently released casualty figures but, according to its last official update on Monday, the death toll stood at 224 with 1,277 injured.

Global oil prices have surged following intensified military exchanges between Israel and Iran. On Tuesday, Brent crude jumped by $3.22 (4.4%), reaching $76.45 per barrel. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by $3.07 (4.28%), settling at $74.84 per barrel. Reports indicate Iran has slightly reduced gas production after Israeli strikes targeted key gas fields.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed complete control over Israeli airspace following Tuesday night’s missile strikes. In an official statement, Colonel Tajik asserted that the successful deployment of the Fattah missile system had broken through Israel's air defenses. “This strike proves we now dominate the skies over occupied territory, leaving Israeli civilians completely exposed to our missile attacks,” he said.

According to BBC reports, Iran launched a ‘Fattah-1’ hypersonic missile at Tel Aviv on Tuesday. This marks the first time the Fattah missile has been used in the current conflict, although Iran had previously deployed several during its October 1, 2024, attack on Israel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) referred to the weapon as the "Israel-Striker." At the time of its unveiling, a massive banner in Tehran read in Hebrew: “400 seconds to Tel Aviv.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reiterated that Iran will never compromise with Zionists. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he declared, “We will show no mercy to the Zionists.” In another post, he ominously stated, “The war has begun.” This came in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comment on Truth Social, saying, “We know exactly where the so-called Supreme Leader is hiding. He’s an easy target, but he’s safe for now—we won’t take him out, at least not yet.”

Iran has announced it intercepted 28 Israeli aircraft over the past 24 hours, including a spy drone allegedly gathering intelligence on sensitive locations. The Iranian military claimed the drone was conducting reconnaissance missions but was successfully neutralized. This follows a series of similar claims by Tehran in recent weeks. However, Israel has consistently denied such reports, stating that no aircraft or crew have been lost during operations. The latest claim was reported by Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera on Tuesday night, June 17.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over Israel's recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, warning of severe long-term health and environmental consequences. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the risk to civilians, especially children, due to rising violence. The IAEA also confirmed damage at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site, though no changes were observed at Isfahan and Fordow facilities. The international agencies are urging restraint to avoid further escalation and to protect public health and environmental safety across the region.

Amid escalating tensions and Israeli airstrikes, widespread fear has gripped Iran. In response, 600 foreign nationals from 17 countries have reportedly fled to neighboring Azerbaijan in search of safety.

The evacuees are entering Azerbaijan through the Astara checkpoint near the Caspian Sea. From there, they are being transported to Baku International Airport to catch international flights back to their respective countries.

Israel has launched multiple airstrikes on Iran’s Isfahan, with smoke seen rising from various parts of the city, according to Al Jazeera. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed deep concern and accused U.S. President Trump of escalating tensions. Trump responded with a call for immediate evacuation from Tehran and urged Iran to return to negotiations. Israel claims its actions aim to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, though Iran insists its program is peaceful. China criticized Trump’s remarks as dangerously provocative.

Another Israeli F-35 stealth fighter jet has reportedly been shot down over the skies of Tabriz, Iran. This marks the fourth destruction of the advanced aircraft, often referred to by the U.S. and Israel as the "invisible assassin."

The incident underscores what analysts are calling Iran’s increasing technological parity in its defense capabilities against the U.S. and its allies. Despite the reported loss, Israel has not issued any official response regarding the downed aircraft.

Iran has cancelled all leave for doctors and nurses, directing them to return to work immediately as part of a nationwide emergency response. Deputy Health Minister Seyyed Sajjad Rajavi announced the measure, emphasizing the importance of medical personnel in both healthcare delivery and maintaining public morale. He added that the Health Ministry is fully prepared to support those affected and has issued special treatment guidelines to hospitals and universities to manage the situation effectively.

China and Russia have taken strategic positions on the Iran-Israel conflict, with China condemning Israel’s strike and offering mediation, while Russia maintains cautious diplomacy to protect its regional interests. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization backed Iran, but India refrained from joining the statement or commenting publicly. Experts suggest both China and Russia aim to prevent escalation, fearing broader regional instability. China calls for a UN-led peaceful resolution, whereas India’s silence reflects its complex ties with both nations.