LIVE BLOG: Major Iranian Drone Strike | Gaza Massacres Escalate | Israel Kills Nuclear Scientist – Day 623

IRANIAN JUDICIARY: Authorities in Yazd say they arrested a Mossad agent who provided intelligence on sensitive sites. In published confessions, the suspect admitted climbing rooftops to photograph Iranian air defense locations.

INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT – BUSHEHR: Iranian intelligence announced the seizure of a large number of small drones in Bushehr province, southwest Iran.

ISNA: President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the damaged state broadcasting headquarters in Tehran following an Israeli strike. “The voice of truth cannot be silenced,” he said during the inspection.

AL JAZEERA: New satellite images obtained by Al Jazeera reveal the presence of B-52 bombers and other American fighter jets stationed at Diego Garcia airbase since June 19.

QATARI FM: Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister met his Iranian counterpart to discuss the Israeli attacks. Qatar reaffirmed its condemnation of the strikes as violations of international law and urged diplomatic de-escalation.

Gaza is the place where resistance has never ceased, not for a single moment. This fact alone is sufficient to establish Gaza as the most critical and undeniable component in the entire intricate history of the so-called conflict.

Read the latest editorial by Ramzy Baroud

Sumoud: The Unyielding Heart of the Palestinian Cause in Gaza

IRANIAN HEALTH MINISTRY: Deputy Health Minister said Israeli warplanes bombed three hospitals, targeted six ambulances, and killed two medical staff in Iran’s Kermanshah province.

US MEDIA: Two squadrons of B-2 bombers departed Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri for Guam this morning. Unlike past missions to Diego Garcia against Ansarallah, this deployment is part of a broader Pacific positioning.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Israeli Channel 12 reports that 100,000 Israelis remain stranded overseas. Only 25,000 have returned — half the number previously claimed by the transport minister.

AL-QASSAM BRIGADES: In a message to the Chief of Staff of Yemen’s armed forces, Al-Qassam praised Abdul-Malik al-Houthi and the Yemeni people for their sacrifices, saying: “History will record your brave stance in letters of light… You were the most advanced front in the Ummah, both in battle and in support.”

WEST BANK: Israeli occupation bulldozers continued demolishing buildings and infrastructure in the Nour Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm, northern West Bank.

PALESTINIAN TELECOM COMPANY: Palestinian telecommunications provider announced a complete outage of fixed internet and landline services in Gaza City and North Gaza governorate.

GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY:

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that hospitals have received over 200 dead and 1,037 injured in the past 48 hours.

The total number of victims since the start of the Israeli assault on October 7, 2023, has reached 55,908 killed and 131,138 wounded.

IRANIAN MEDIA: Iranian media reported the sound of multiple explosions in the city of Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran.

Iranian media reported the sound of multiple explosions in the city of Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, southwest Iran. pic.twitter.com/i0jlRCOreU

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 21, 2025

REUTERS:

The Israeli army announced it is targeting military infrastructure in southwestern Iran, as part of its ongoing operations.

AL JAZEERA: Iran’s Deputy Health Minister said they are prepared to respond to any nuclear leak in case of attacks on reactors. He added that three hospitals have been hit, one of which was evacuated entirely in Kermanshah. Six ambulances were reportedly targeted and two health workers killed.

FRENCH PRESIDENCY: French President Emmanuel Macron told his Iranian counterpart that Paris will push forward negotiations between Europe and Iran and called for guarantees that Tehran’s nuclear program remains peaceful.

ISRAELI ARMY: The Israeli army announced it conducted a precision strike overnight targeting a dual drone-launch platform in Isfahan that was ready to be activated.

QATAR NEWS AGENCY: Gulf Cooperation Council ambassadors told IAEA chief Rafael Grossi they are concerned over current tensions and warned that attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities pose a serious threat to regional radiological safety and breach international law.

IRANIAN MEDIA: Iranian air defense systems were activated in the city of Kashan, located in Isfahan Province.

IRANIAN MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS: The Iranian government announced that full internet access will be restored nationwide starting tonight.

ISRAELI ARMY: An Israeli military spokesperson said they had killed IRGC commander Saeed Izadi, a link between Iran and Hamas and an alleged planner of October 7. He also claimed deep strikes on Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities and noted that over 1,000 drones have been launched at Israel since the war began.

“There is no time”. The mayor of Haifa says he only has one request: peace with Iran pic.twitter.com/jVo0kFkyTo

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 21, 2025

ISNA: Israel reportedly struck a military site in Shiraz, southern Iran, causing significant smoke and damage.

🇮🇷💥 Israel reportedly targeted a military site in Shiraz, southern Iran, triggering large plumes of smoke and significant damage on the ground. pic.twitter.com/Zn41dPChOA

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 21, 2025

THE TIMES: A Western official told The Times that Israel is realizing it may have overextended itself militarily and is pressuring Washington to intervene, particularly in targeting deeply buried nuclear sites.

TASNIM: Iranian authorities arrested a foreign national accused of spying for Mossad and relaying sensitive information on air defense sites.

HAARETZ: The Israeli army stated that there is no clear timeframe for ending the war with Iran, now in its second week, which has included attacks on nuclear sites and major retaliatory strikes by Tehran.

NOUR NEWS: Two rescue workers were killed in an Israeli drone attack in Khorramabad, western Iran.

IRANIAN POLICE: Iranian police dismantled an electronic bomb planted west of Tehran. Separately, hand grenades were found and seized in northern Gilan province.

TURKISH MEDIA: President Erdogan said Iran has a right to self-defense and warned that Netanyahu is pushing the region toward broader war, comparing his role to that of Hitler. He vowed to block what he described as a new Sykes-Picot-style regional plan and reaffirmed Turkey’s opposition to Israel’s actions.

AL-JAZEERA (citing medical sources): At least 26 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since this morning, including 11 waiting for aid, according to local hospitals.

📸 Satellite images reveal the devastating transformation of Shujaiya, east of Gaza City — before and during the war. Entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. pic.twitter.com/5113sBSIE0

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 21, 2025

AL-QUDS BRIGADES: The Al-Quds Brigades claimed they destroyed an Israeli D9 military bulldozer using a barrel bomb in the Al-Sanati area east of Khan Yunis.

PALESTINE CHRONICLE: Rescue teams are searching for individuals trapped beneath the rubble of a residential building in Beit She’an, following a drone strike attributed to Iran early Saturday morning, Israeli media reported.

According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, the building sustained major damage after being struck by a drone, which Israeli radio described as having “crushed a two-story building.”

Iranian Drones and Missiles Hit Israel: Fires, Collapsed Buildings Reported

TURKISH MEDIA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the two-state solution is the key to solving all problems in the Middle East. He accused Netanyahu and his “criminal gang” of rejecting diplomacy and called for Islamic unity to confront Israel’s aggression, saying silence has only emboldened its expansion.

TURKISH MEDIA: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated at a press conference that Israel is dragging the region into total disaster with its attack on Iran and called on the international community to act. He affirmed Turkiye is working to find fundamental solutions.

ISRAELI ARMY RADIO: At least five drones were intercepted in various areas within the last hour following earlier reports of interception in the Golan Heights.

ISRAELI HOME FRONT: Sirens sounded in an industrial zone in the Negev and in Eilat due to Iranian drone infiltration.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Channel 12 confirmed that an alert was raised in the southern Negev following the infiltration of a drone.

🚨✈️ Drone sirens have been blaring for over 20 minutes across the southern occupied Syrian Golan and northern/southeastern occupied Palestine, with multiple impact sites confirmed. pic.twitter.com/Nwgu0wVdxQ

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 21, 2025

US EMBASSY IN BAGHDAD: In a statement, the US Embassy advised Americans not to travel to Iraq and urged those in the country to avoid large gatherings.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Kan reported that rescue teams are searching for people trapped under a heavily damaged house in Beit She’an following a drone strike.

🚨 ISRAELI MEDIA: Rescue teams are searching for people trapped under the rubble of a heavily damaged home in Beit She’an after a drone strike. pic.twitter.com/AdgVts8p4c

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 21, 2025

ISRAEL HAYOM: Ten drones launched from Iran this morning triggered sirens in multiple areas, including Arava Valley and southern Golan.

ISRAEL HAYOM: A drone exploded and caused a direct hit to a building in Beit She’an. No injuries were reported, but the building caught fire.

IRGC: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it arrested two individuals planning sabotage operations in Karaj and seized weapons and ammunition.

REUTERS: An Israeli military official said two sites for producing centrifuges in Isfahan were bombed overnight.

🚨 An Israeli military official says two centrifuge production sites in Isfahan were bombed overnight.

According to Al Mayadeen, spy cells were arrested. pic.twitter.com/5KEH8CiEex

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 21, 2025

CNN: A senior Iranian official stated Iran now prioritizes high-precision missiles targeting sensitive centers over launching large quantities.

AL-JAZEERA (citing medical sources): 21 Palestinians were killed, including 11 waiting for aid. Three were killed in an Israeli strike on the Zeitoun neighborhood.

AL-JAZEERA (citing medical sources): Five Palestinians were killed and 15 injured by Israeli fire while waiting for aid near the Netzarim axis.

AL-JAZEERA (citing medical sources): Three Palestinian siblings were killed in an Israeli strike on Mansoura Street in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood.

AL-JAZEERA (citing medical sources): Six Palestinians were killed and more than ten injured in Israeli fire near an aid distribution center in Rafah.

IRANIAN MEDIA: A child was killed and two people were injured in an Israeli attack on a civilian building in the Iranian city of Qom.

Iranian state television reported on Saturday morning that Israel carried out an attack on the Al-Salariyah neighborhood in Qom city.

The attack resulted in the death of a 16-year-old child and injuries to two other individuals.

According to the latest official figures announced by the Iranian Ministry of Health on Monday, Israeli strikes have resulted in 224 deaths and 1,277 injuries, mostly civilians.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Yedioth Ahronoth, citing an Israeli officer, reported:

Some of the sites where Iranian missiles landed resemble a battlefield.

The destruction we witnessed on the streets of Tel Aviv due to Iran’s missiles looks insane.

In Ramat Gan, after being hit by a missile, I felt as if I were in Khan Yunis or Beit Hanoun.

IRANIAN MEDIA: Iran’s representative to the United Nations announced that Tehran has filed a formal complaint with the United Nations and the Security Council against the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, regarding his positions on Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran had previously accused the IAEA of being a “partner” in the Israeli war on Tehran.

AL-JAZEERA: The United Nations has confirmed that Israeli occupation forces have prevented fuel shipments from entering Gaza for the 16th consecutive week, warning of the catastrophic consequences of these practices on the lives of the Strip’s residents.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated during a press conference that Israel has prevented fuel shipments from entering Gaza for 16 weeks.

He noted that UN officials were able to recover some fuel already present in the Gaza Strip from the Al-Tahrir station in Rafah last Wednesday.

A limited amount of this fuel was delivered last Thursday to public facilities in the southern part of the Strip, allowing water desalination plants, water distribution truck services, and sewage pumping stations to continue operations.

The UN official also revealed that fuel was sent to northern Gaza yesterday, Friday, but the lack of fuel is restricting operations and leading to a decrease in operating hours and work capacity.

Scores Killed in Israeli Airstrikes, New Massacre near Aid Site in Gaza 

AL-MAYADEEN (Citing source in Iran): Eight agents of the Israeli entity were arrested while attempting to escape through Iran’s western borders.

IRANIAN MEDIA: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced that the 18th missile wave targeted Ben Gurion Airport and a number of military centers. The attack was carried out using ballistic missiles and Shahed-136 suicide drones.

AP: The Associated Press, citing the US State Department, reported:

More than 6,400 Americans in Israel have filled out online forms requesting information about evacuation flights.

Between 300 to 500 Americans in Israel may need evacuation assistance daily.

The United States has evacuated 79 staff members and their families from its embassy in Israel.

IRANIA MEDIA: Sounds of explosions were heard and air defense systems were activated in Isfahan, central Iran.

IRANIAN MEDIA: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that combined shelling operations, involving both missiles and drones, will continue against Israel regularly and precisely.

IRANIAN MEDIA: The Assistant Governor of Qom announced that one young person was killed and two others injured in the Israeli aggression on Qom city.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Yedioth Ahronoth, citing an Israeli military official, reported:

Iran will recover from the strikes Israel launched against it.

Iran has begun to recover in terms of air defenses, and we are monitoring attempts to restore capabilities.

Iran possesses effective detection systems and has resumed launching anti-aircraft missiles.

ISRAELI MEDIA: Palestinian local sources reported that the Israeli occupation army carried out a series of airstrikes on Shuja’iyya, Al-Tuffah neighborhood, and Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip.

US MEDIA: NBC News, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reported:

It’s up to the Americans to show their determination to negotiate or that they want to attack us.

If Washington wanted diplomacy, we were engaged with them when Israel attacked us.

If the Americans are serious about diplomacy, they should contact Israel to stop its aggression.

We concluded that American diplomacy was a cover for what Israel did.

We achieved nuclear technology with our own capabilities and we can rebuild what was destroyed.

There is currently a lack of trust with the United States.

Perhaps Washington had a plan to attack Iran and only needed negotiations as a cover.

Returning to diplomacy is only possible when the aggression stops and the aggressor is held accountable.

We are currently striking Israeli economic facilities after they began targeting our economic facilities.

The path to diplomacy will be paved, but we must see a halt to aggression, then America’s role, then we will decide.

I believe envoy Witkoff is a good man and someone we can work with.

AL-MAYADEEN: Iranian air defenses have successfully countered Israeli targets in Tehran and Isfahan.

ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that the Israeli air force began launching attacks a short while ago against missile storage and launch infrastructure in central Iran.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian local sources reported that Israeli occupation aircraft targeted Khan Yunis city in the southern Gaza Strip a short while ago.

ISRAELI MEDIA: A large fire has erupted after an Iranian missile impacted a building in Holon, within the Tel Aviv area.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Palestinian local sources reported that Israeli occupation aircraft launched several raids on Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip.

ISRAELI MEDIA:

The Israeli army announced moments ago that it detected missile launches from Iran targeting wide areas in Israel, and that defense systems are working to intercept the threat, urging Israelis to remain in shelters.

Air raid sirens have sounded in several parts of the country, including the greater Tel Aviv area, as attempts to intercept the Iranian missiles continue.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that explosions were heard in parts of greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, central Israel, and coastal plain areas.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper stated that the new wave of missiles was primarily aimed at the central greater Tel Aviv region.

The Broadcasting Authority indicated that approximately 5 missiles were launched from Iran in the latest wave.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that a missile hit a site in central Israel, and fragments of interceptor missiles fell at the location, with ambulance crews heading to the area.

Yedioth Ahronoth also stated that a missile impacted a building in greater Tel Aviv.

ISRAELI MEDIA:

Channel 12 reports a missile impact in the central region, with Magen David Adom teams and security forces en route to the incident site.

Iran targeted Israel with approximately 10 ballistic missiles moments ago.

The wave of Iranian missiles was directed towards the central Tel Aviv region.

ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli army announced moments ago that it detected missile launches from Iran targeting wide areas in Israel, and that defense systems are working to intercept the threat, urging Israelis to remain in shelters.

Air raid sirens have sounded in several parts of the country, including the greater Tel Aviv area, as attempts to intercept the Iranian missiles continue.

AL-MAYADEEN: Iran reports that Iranian air defenses have, as of today, shot down 200 Israeli drones across Iranian airspace.

AL-JAZEERA: Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren stated:

Netanyahu may think that by bombing Iran, no one will notice what he is doing in Gaza.

People in Gaza are facing starvation, and those in need of food are being shot.

ISRAELI MEDIA: The Israeli army announced moments ago that it detected missile launches from Iran targeting wide areas in Israel, and that defense systems are working to intercept the threat.

GERMAN MEDIA: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told the German newspaper Bild:

Regime change in Iran is not yet part of our strategy.

The security cabinet has not set regime change in Iran as a goal in this war so far.

IRANIAN MEDIA: Iranian state television, citing Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, reported that 23 missiles were launched on Friday as part of Iran’s ongoing military response to Israeli attacks. According to Azizi, all missiles successfully struck their intended targets.

He stated that key Israeli intelligence facilities suffered extensive damage, and that “most of the military centers we aimed for were hit and destroyed.” The statement marks one of the most direct and confident assessments by Iranian officials regarding the precision and impact of their retaliatory strikes.

ASSOCIATED PRESS: US President Donald Trump said, “It’s not possible to eliminate all of Iran’s nuclear facilities — and that might not even be necessary.”

WHITE HOUSE: The White House stated that if Iran were to acquire all necessary components for a nuclear weapon, it could complete assembly within weeks.

CNN (citing Israeli officials):

According to Israeli officials cited by CNN, Israel launched its operation against Iran without a firm US commitment to join.

They believed that early military successes might entice Trump into military involvement.

However, the pace of Israeli success is slowing, and officials warn that this increases the risk of a miscalculation.

They acknowledged that Israel cannot eliminate all of Iran’s nuclear facilities.

YEDIOTH AHRONOTH: The Israeli newspaper reported that Iran had planned to manufacture dozens of long-range ballistic missiles monthly, with the goal of producing 11,000 in a decade, along with launch platforms. Despite losses, Iran still possesses significant launch and air defense capabilities. Israeli security officials fear a prolonged war of attrition with Iran in the absence of a diplomatic path.

US PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP:

Trump said talks with Iran might happen soon, emphasizing that Iran wants to negotiate with the US, not Europe.

He claimed Iran was weeks away from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

“I can’t make a decision now,” Trump said, adding, “Iran is the one suffering, and I don’t know how to stop the fighting.”

He praised Israel’s military performance and said it would be hard to ask them to stop airstrikes.

He floated the idea of a ceasefire “depending on the conditions” and gave Iran a two-week deadline to “come to its senses.”

ISRAELI CHANNEL 12: An Israeli military source told Channel 12 that Israel is preparing to strike Iran’s main nuclear facility but is awaiting Washington’s decision on entering the war.

WATCH: US ambassador to the UN mistakenly says Israel has spread “chaos, terror, and suffering” across the Middle East — she meant to say Iran. pic.twitter.com/nie8Kv6tle

— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) June 20, 2025

MEHR NEWS AGENCY: Iranian air defense systems reportedly intercepted small Israeli drones flying over the city of Tabriz in northwestern Iran.

ISRAELI CHANNEL 12: Senior Israeli officials admitted that the war with Iran is expected to last longer than originally anticipated.