Israel to strike "strategic targets" in Tehran today, defence chief says

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said that the Israeli Air Force will strike “very significant targets, strategic targets, targets of the regime and infrastructure” in Tehran today, June 17.

Speaking to reporters at the scene of a ballistic missile impact in central Israel, the minister said the Israel Defense Forces will issue an evacuation warning to those nearby, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Times of Israel.

Regarding Iran’s nuclear sites, Katz says that the underground Fordow facility is “an issue that will certainly be addressed.”

Furthermore, Katz visited the rocket impact site in Herzliya and stated, "We are not conducting any negotiations, we will not allow harm to Israeli citizens."

Regarding whether the US would join the military campaign, Katz responded, "The US is a great friend, currently assisting us in defending against some of the attacks, we thank them for that. Decisions by the US president are US decisions, and we will respect any decision and be grateful for any assistance."

For the record, on June 16 morning, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel, some of which slammed into central areas of the country, including the city of Herzliya, causing a few light injuries.

Some 20 ballistic missiles were launched at Israel in Iran’s attack, according to initial IDF assessments.

It came as Iran appeared to signal it was interested in a negotiated ceasefire and as US President Donald Trump was set to hold a top-tier security meeting in Washington about the situation.

By Khagan Isayev