The Israeli Front
Day five of the war – Throughout the night, fewer than 10 ballistic missiles were launched from Iran in a total of three separate barrages. No impacts or casualties have been reported in any of them. Yesterday, it was reported that during the night between Sunday and Monday, a strike hit the Haifa oil refineries, resulting in the deaths of three civilians. This morning, another barrage was launched, consisting of around 20 missiles targeting the center of Israel. Several people were injured due to a direct hit in the region. Dozens of UAVs were intercepted during the night and morning barrages. Since the beginning of the war, 24 civilians have been killed.
Strikes in Iran
Overnight, the Israeli Air Force destroyed dozens of infrastructure facilities in western Iran used for storing and launching surface-to-surface missiles, as well as surface-to-air missile launchers belonging to the Iranian regime. So far, more than 200 Iranian ballistic missile launchers have been neutralized — accounting for more than half of Iran’s launcher arsenal.
Yesterday evening, the IDF struck the communications center of the Iranian regime, which was used by Iran’s armed forces for military operations. The center had served the armed forces in advancing military activities under civilian cover, utilizing its assets and equipment.
Prior to the strike, the IDF effectively warned the civilian population, including through phone calls. The strike was carried out in a precise manner to minimize harm to uninvolved civilians as much as possible.
A major cyberattack was reported against Iran’s Sepah Bank, which is linked to the IRGC and the Iranian military and has been used by the IRGC to finance terrorism. Documents were exposed that prove this connection, as well as links to Shiite militias.
Earlier today (June 16), the G7 states (an international economic organization) issued a joint statement expressing their support for Israel and called Iran a source of instability in the Middle East. The countries also called for a de-escalation. It appears that the statement was made possible due to U.S. influence, which likely pressured the other member states to issue a declaration in support of Israel.
Eliminations
The IDF has eliminated Ali Shadmani, the Iran’s wartime Chief of Staff — the most senior military commander of the Iranian regime and the closest military figure to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. He is the second Chief of Staff to be eliminated since the beginning of the war. Shadmani was appointed at the start of the operation to command Iran’s armed forces, following the elimination of his predecessor, Gholam Ali Rashid. Since the beginning of the war, more than 20 senior commanders from the Iranian military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have been eliminated.
Lebanon
Mahmoud Qamati, Deputy Head of Hezbollah’s Political Council, stated in an interview with Qatar’s Al Jazeera Live channel that Hezbollah stands by Iran on political and public levels. Regarding military support, he said that Iran does not need military assistance from anyone to confront Israel and is capable of defending itself. According to him, Iran has not requested military support from Hezbollah. Qamati evaded the question of what Hezbollah would do if asked to assist Iran in a confrontation with Israel.
Additionally, Qamati said that Hezbollah would resume fighting when the Lebanese state officially declares that it has given up on fulfilling its promises concerning the “liberation of land,” the “release of Lebanese prisoners,” and the cessation of Israeli attacks.
