'Israel' claims intercepting Iranian drones around the clock
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“Israel” says it’s intercepting Iranian drones hourly amid 5 days of strikes, with over 1,000 projectiles launched toward the occupied Palestinian territories.
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Israeli occupation forces inspect a site hit by a missile launched from Iran in central occupied Palestine on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 (AP)
The Israeli occupation has been intercepting Iranian drones on an “hourly basis,” according to an Israeli military official who briefed reporters Tuesday under the condition of anonymity.
The official said the Israeli occupation has seen over 1,000 projectiles fired from Iran since Friday, including drones and ballistic missiles, with dozens managing to strike inside the occupied territories.
Israeli officials reported new injuries in central parts of the occupied territories, while Iranian media described overnight explosions and heavy anti-aircraft fire across Tehran.
The Iranian government has not updated its official casualty toll since Sunday, when it reported at least 224 martyrs and hundreds of injuries resulting from Israeli strikes. In response to mass casualty incidents, Iranian authorities have reportedly canceled all medical leave and ordered hospital staff to remain on duty around the clock, according to Mehr news agency.
'Real end' to ongoing war
US President Donald Trump said early Tuesday that he wants a “real end” to the crisis rather than a ceasefire. Trump made his remarks after cutting short his attendance at the Group of Seven summit in Canada to return to Washington.
The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is now expanding its military posture in the Middle East to provide greater flexibility should American assets come under direct threat.
European leaders voiced concern about potential US involvement, however. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that direct military intervention by the US could “definitely drag the region into a broader conflict.” She said she had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who affirmed that avoiding escalation is in Washington’s interest.
Trump estimated that "Israel" would not be slowing its attacks on Iran. "You're going to find out over the next two days. You're going to find out. Nobody's slowed up so far," the CBS journalist quoted Trump as saying on Air Force One, implying that military developments could soon escalate.
“I may,” Trump said when asked about sending US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet with Iran.
Despite mounting regional tensions, Trump reiterated his long-standing position. “Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!” he wrote earlier on Truth Social.
Israel claims control of Iranian airspace
The Israeli regime launched its war with a surprise aerial strike that resulted in the martyrdom of civilians, top military leaders, and nuclear scientists. Israeli officials now claim to have “control of Iranian airspace” and have vowed to intensify operations in the coming days.
Trump’s position, while signaling an opening for negotiations, remains tied to Iran accepting strict limits on its nuclear program, a condition Tehran has so far resisted amid continued aggression.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps announced that a “more powerful” wave of missiles had been launched at Israeli targets. A senior Iranian army commander said new waves of drones would follow, as Tehran escalates its retaliation for the Israeli strikes that have killed civilians and numerous high-ranking officials and damaged strategic infrastructure.
Though Trump’s remarks suggest possible diplomacy, both sides appear to be bracing for further conflict. The region remains on edge as the war, already the most serious between the two countries in decades, shows no signs of slowing.
