Iran fires more ballistic missiles, Israel vows to continue attacks
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
Iran and Israel announce more strikes as conflict enters fourth day
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps says it will launch its own attacks against Israel’s military infrastructure in eastern Tel Aviv. Israel’s defense minister warned earlier Monday that Tehran will “pay the price” for its fresh missile onslaught. Spot prices for gold, a key safe-haven asset, fell nearly 1% to about $3,419 per ounce on Monday. Oil prices retained the gains of recent days and at 1:11 p.m. London time, Ice Brent futures with August delivery were trading at $73.46 per barrel, down 1.04% from the previous trading session. The Nymex WTI contract with July expiry was at $72.14 per barrel,. 1.15% lower. The Mideast conflict is front-of-mind for investors who have been weighing the odds of further escalation in the conflict and spillover into the broader oil-rich Middle East.
Both Iran and Israel issued new evacuation orders Monday as the two regional powers continued firing missiles at each other for a fourth straight day. Monday evening local time, the Israel Defense Forces warned residents in parts of northern Tehran that the Israeli army will attack Iran’s military infrastructure there in the coming hours. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it will launch its own attacks against Israel’s military infrastructure in the Bnei Brak area of eastern Tel Aviv, according to NBC News. “Your presence in this area puts your life at serious risk,” the Guard said, in a statement that NBC reported. Israel’s defense minister warned earlier Monday that Tehran will “pay the price” for its fresh missile onslaught. A live broadcast of the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network was interrupted Monday evening when the studio appeared to be struck by a missile. Video of the moment shows a news anchor abruptly stop speaking and leave her desk as debris and smoke billow into the frame.
watch now
Fire exchanges have continued since Israel’s Friday attack against Iran, with Iranian media reporting Tehran’s latest strikes hit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, home to a major oil refinery. CNBC has reached out to operator Bazan for comment on the state of operations at the Haifa plant, amid reports of damage to Israel’s energy infrastructure. Iran’s Guard said overnight it deployed “innovative methods” that “disrupted the enemy’s multi-layered defense systems, to the point that the Zionist air defense systems engaged in targeting each other,” according to a statement obtained by NBC News. Israel has widely depended on its highly efficient Iron Dome missile defense system to fend off attacks throughout regional conflicts — but even it can be overwhelmed if a large number of projectiles are fired. On Monday, the Israel Defense Forces claimed they had “achieved full aerial superiority over Tehran’s skies” after previously saying they had deployed 50 fighter jets and aircraft in a coordinated strike mission. CNBC could not independently verify the report. Iran has long struggled with an ageing aircraft fleet and has previously turned to Russia for fighter jet purchases.
The fresh hostilities are front-of-mind for investors, who have been weighing the odds of further escalation in the conflict and spillover into the broader oil-rich Middle East, amid concerns over crude supplies and the key shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Oil prices retained the gains of recent days and at 1:11 p.m. London time, Ice Brent futures with August delivery were trading at $73.46 per barrel, down 1.04% from the previous trading session. The Nymex WTI contract with July expiry was at $72.14 per barrel, 1.15% lower.
watch now
Elsewhere, however, markets showed initial signs of shrugging off the latest hostilities early on Monday. Spot prices for gold, a key safe-haven asset, fell nearly 1% to about $3,419 per ounce by 12:20 p.m. ET on Monday after nearly notching a two-year-high earlier in the session. Tel Aviv share indices rose around the same time, with the blue-chip TA-35 up 1.82% and the wider TA-125 up 2.64% . European and U.S. stock markets also opened higher. Luis Costa, global head of EM sovereign credit at Citigroup Global Markets, signaled the muted reaction could be, in part, attributed to hopes of a brisk resolution to the conflict. “So markets are obviously, you know, bearing in mind all potential scenarios. There are obviously potentially very bad scenarios in this story,” he told CNBC’s “Europe Early Edition” on Monday. “But there is still a way out in terms of, you know, a faster resolution and bringing Iran to the table, or a short continuation here, of a very surgical and intense strike by the Israeli army.”
U.S. response in focus
Analyst dismisses ‘lie by rogue’ Netanyahu over Iran’s nuclear programme
Leading Middle East analyst has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s dismissal of the conclusion of his own national intelligence chief. Marwan Bishara said that Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, “does not speak for herself” or her team alone. Two US senators have also condemned Netanyahu while Israel continues to bomb and starve Gaza. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, appealed for an end to the fighting between Israel and Iran, saying that Teheran had repeatedly stated that it was not seeking nuclear weapons. In New Zealand hope for freedom for Palestinians remained high among a group of trauma-struck activists in Cairo. The Global March To Gaza delegation was thwarted in its mission to walk from Cairo to Gaza to lend support.
A leading Middle East analyst has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s dismissal of the conclusion of his own national intelligence chief, who said in April that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon.
Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, said in an interview that Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, who issued the determination on Iran, “does not speak for herself” or her team alone.
“She speaks for all the intelligence agencies combined,” Bishara said.
“This intelligence is supposed to be sound. This is not just one person or one team saying something. It’s the entire intelligence community in the United States. He [Trump] would dismiss them? For what?
“For a lie by a rogue element called Benjamin Netanyahu, who has lied all his life, a con artist who is indicted for his crimes in Gaza? It’s just astounding.”
US senators slam Netanyahu
Two US senators have also condemned Netanyahu while Israel continues to bomb and starve Gaza
Chris Van Hollen and Elizabeth Warren, two Democrats in the US Senate, have urged the world to pay attention to what Israel continues to do in Gaza amid its conflict with Iran.
“Don’t look away,” Van Hollen wrote on X. “Since the start of the Israel-Iran war 7 days ago, over 400 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, many shot while seeking food.
“It’s unconscionable that Netanyahu has not allowed international orgs to resume food delivery.”
Warren said the Israeli prime minister “may think no one will notice what he’s doing in Gaza while he bombs Iran”.
“People face starvation. 55,000 killed. Aid workers and doctors turned away at the border. Shooting at innocent people desperate for food. The world sees you, Benjamin Netanyahu,” she wrote.
Israel’s Prime Minister may think no one will notice what he’s doing in Gaza while he bombs Iran. People face starvation. 55,000 killed. Aid workers and doctors turned away at the border. Shooting at innocent people desperate for food. The world sees you, Benjamin Netanyahu. — Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) June 20, 2025
‘A trust gap’
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, appealed for an end to the fighting between Israel and Iran, saying that Teheran had repeatedly stated that it was not seeking nuclear weapons.
“Let’s recognise there is a trust gap,” he said.
“The only way to bridge that gap is through diplomacy to establish a credible, comprehensive and verifiable solution — including full access to inspectors of the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency], as the United Nations technical agency in this field.
“For all of that to be possible, I appeal for an end to the fighting and the return to serious negotiations.”
Meanwhile, in New Zealand hope for freedom for Palestinians remained high among a group of trauma-struck activists in Cairo.
In spite of extensive planning, the Global March To Gaza (GMTG) delegation of about 4000 international aid volunteers was thwarted in its mission to walk from Cairo to Gaza to lend support.
Asia Pacific Report special correspondents report on the saga.
Trump warns Iran could launch nuclear war in ‘weeks’ as it’s pummelled with Israeli bombs and city is hit by 5.1 earthquake – while the IDF announces new series of air strikes: Live updates
Trump said Iran had a ‘maximum’ of a fortnight to avoid possible US air strikes. He said he was ‘ready and willing’ to step in once the countdown is over. It comes after a 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit northern Iran today. Earlier Israel was rocked by a huge Iranian missile strike, injuring at least 17 people as both sides continued to trade blows for an eighth consecutive day.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said: ‘It is a tremendous amount of material, and I think within a matter of weeks or certainly within a matter of months, they will be able to have a nuclear weapon, and we can’t let that happen.’
Trump also reiterated that Iran had a ‘maximum’ of a fortnight to avoid possible US air strikes but said he was ‘ready and willing’ to step in once the countdown is over.
‘I’m giving them a period of time, and I would say two weeks would be the maximum,’ Trump said as he was departing for his Bedminster, New Jersey golf club.
‘We’ll see what happens, time to see whether or not people come to their senses,’ he added.
It comes after a 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit northern Iran today as Israel pounded the country with repeated waves of air strikes.
The quake struck at a depth of six miles, some 23 miles southwest of the city of Semnan, the USGS said, the US Geological Survey said.
State television said the earthquake measured 5.5 and ‘shook the area around the city of Sorkheh in Semnan province’.
It said the tremor was also felt in the capital Tehran, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Sorkheh. Official news agency IRNA reported no casualties and only ‘minimal damage’.
Earlier Israel was rocked by a huge Iranian missile strike, injuring at least 17 people as both sides continued to trade blows for an eighth consecutive day.
Buildings in the Israeli port city of Haifa showed signs of heavy damage with windows blown out from Iranian ballistic missiles. Huge plumes of smoke were seen rising from the city as strikes were also reported in Tel Aviv and Negev.
Live updates below
Day 4 of strikes: Iran fires fresh missiles at Israel; vows ‘devastating’ attacks on ‘vital targets’
Israel’s most aggressive military campaign to date inside Iran has targeted key nuclear and energy sites, while Iran has responded with hundreds of missiles that breached Israeli defenses and caused mounting civilian casualties. “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel,” the army posted on its website. “Israel’s armed forces issued an alert on Monday about a fresh wave of missiles approaching from Iran, while AFP reporters documented powerful blasts in Jerusalem and fires near the coastal area of Haifa” “A new wave of missile attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps … enabled missiles to successfully and effectively hit” targets in Israel, according to a statement quoted by the official IRNA news agency. “The death toll has surged on both sides, with over 230 confirmed dead in Iran and at least 14 in Israel,” according to the army’s website. ‘Israel’s air force is the most powerful in the world, with more than 100,000 air strikes a year. Israel’s air Force is the largest in the history of the aerospace industry.
Israel’s most aggressive military campaign to date inside Iran has targeted key nuclear and energy sites, while Iran has responded with hundreds of missiles that breached Israeli defenses and caused mounting civilian casualties.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The death toll has surged on both sides, with over 230 confirmed dead in Iran and at least 14 in Israel. Talks on Iran’s nuclear program with the US have been suspended, and both nations appear locked into a spiraling confrontation with regional and global repercussions.
Iran says ‘successfully’ struck Israel
Iran announced that it successfully struck Israel with a salvo of missiles on Monday. Israeli rescuers reported three fatalities and damage to residential buildings in multiple cities.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said, “A new wave of air-to-air missile attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps… enabled missiles to successfully and effectively hit” targets in Israel, according to a statement quoted by the official IRNA news agency.
Poll Should international powers intervene to mediate the Israel-Iran conflict? Yes, immediate intervention is necessary. No, it should be resolved independently.
It also vowed more ‘devastating’ operations against Israel’s ‘vital targets’.
Iran BURNS Tel Aviv; Mayhem As Blasts Rock City, Building & Cars On Fire | ‘Dozens Of Casualties…’
Israel army warns of new missile salvo from Iran
Israel’s armed forces issued an alert on Monday about a fresh wave of missiles approaching from Iran, while AFP reporters documented powerful blasts in Jerusalem and fires near the coastal area of Haifa.
“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel,” the army posted on Telegram, using the acronym for its official name.
The military stated that its aerial defence systems were actively working to counter the threat and instructed residents to seek shelter in protected areas until further instructions were provided.
Loud explosions heard in Jerusalem
Powerful blasts echoed across Jerusalem in the early hours of Monday, as reported by an AFP journalist.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
The incident occurred moments after the Israeli military issued an alert about incoming missiles from Iran, instructing citizens to seek shelter and await further instructions.
Israeli airstrikes kill hundreds in Iran, destroy key infrastructure
Iranian officials said Israeli airstrikes have killed 224 people and injured 1,277 since Friday, many of them civilians. Israel’s strikes hit the Iranian Defense Ministry, military factories, missile launch sites, and major energy facilities—including the South Pars gas field and the Shahran oil depot.
Iranian state media reported massive fires and damage to residential buildings and government offices. The death toll is likely higher, with independent rights groups estimating over 400 killed.
Iran fires 270 missiles at Israel; Civilian areas, oil facilities hit
Iran launched a barrage of over 270 missiles at Israel, with 22 evading the country’s air defense systems. Strikes hit residential areas in Bat Yam, Tamra, and Rehovot, killing 14 and injuring nearly 390.
A high-rise in Bat Yam was reduced to rubble, while an oil refinery in Haifa and the Weizmann Institute of Science also sustained damage. Air raid sirens rang out across Tel Aviv and Haifa as thousands rushed to shelters.
Oil prices rise further
Oil prices continued their upward trend on Monday as Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes for the fourth consecutive day, with both nations threatening additional attacks, raising concerns about a prolonged conflict that could trigger inflationary pressures.
The price of gold approached its historic peak due to increased demand for secure investments. Whilst equity markets experienced further declines, the losses remained contained due to optimism that the conflict would not expand across the Middle East region.
Read:
Investors focused on upcoming central bank meetings this week, particularly the US Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan sessions, alongside discussions with Washington regarding potential alternatives to Donald Trump’s substantial tariffs.
Israel’s unexpected attack on Iranian military and nuclear facilities on Friday, which resulted in the deaths of senior commanders and scientists, caused crude prices to surge up to 13 percent, driven by concerns about regional supply disruptions.
Experts cautioned that the price increase could trigger a global inflation resurgence, potentially undermining ongoing efforts by governments and central banks to maintain price stability, whilst raising concerns about impacts on already vulnerable economies.
“The knock-on impact of higher energy prices is that they will slow growth and cause headline inflation to rise,” said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG.
Primary oil contracts increased by more than one percent during early Asian trading hours.
Iran says it hung convicted Mossad agent for spying
Iran’s Judiciary announced on Monday that it hung Esmaeil Fekri, who was arrested in 2023 and convicted of acting as an agent for Israel’s Mossad spy agency.
Fekri faced the capital offences of “corruption on earth” and “moharebeh” (waging war against God). He was executed after undergoing the full criminal procedure, the Judiciary’s Mizan Online news website saidd. The execution occurs as fighting continues between the two arch-nemeses.
Trump blocked Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, says US official
A senior US official, quoted by AP, claimed that President Donald Trump intervened to stop an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The move, reportedly shelved due to fears of uncontrolled escalation, underscores how far Israel was prepared to go in its campaign against Iran’s leadership and nuclear infrastructure.
Nuclear Facilities in Natanz and Isfahan damaged; Talks suspended
Planned nuclear negotiations in Oman between the US and Iran were canceled after Israeli strikes on Iran’s Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites. Satellite imagery and IAEA inspections confirmed major damage to key support buildings, including a uranium-conversion facility.
While no radiation was released, officials said it could take months to restore operations. The attacks mark a major blow to Iran’s nuclear capacity and to diplomatic efforts.
Tehran turns Mosques, metro stations into bomb shelters
Panic spread in Tehran as Israeli missiles struck civilian districts and key infrastructure. Long queues formed at fuel stations and many attempted to flee the capital. In response, Iranian authorities began converting metro stations and mosques into shelters.
Health officials reported that 90 per cent of the dead were civilians, while images of bloodied survivors and collapsed buildings circulated widely on state media.
Netanyahu signals regime change intentions; Iran issues warning
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that regime change in Iran could be a consequence of the conflict. He accused Tehran of seeking to transfer nuclear arms to Houthi rebels, though no evidence was offered.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iranian retaliation would cease only if Israeli strikes stopped, signaling no immediate end to the hostilities.
Gaza War adds to regional volatility as global leaders call for calm
With Israel’s war against Hamas still ongoing in Gaza, the multi-front crisis risks plunging the entire region into chaos. Iran’s backing of Palestinian and Lebanese militant groups adds to fears of escalation beyond Israel and Iran. Despite international appeals for restraint, neither side has signaled willingness to step back, raising concerns that the conflict may soon draw in additional regional actors.
Also read:
Iran’s weapons capabilities on display in retaliatory Israel strikes
Iran is believed to have the largest and most diverse ballistic missile stockpile in the Middle East. Since Iran’s supreme leader vowed to open “the gates of hell”, those capabilities have been on display. At least 13 people have been killed, according to Iran’s state media. But with Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear and military structure, analysts say the strikes have been limited. And if the conflict between the two countries continues, Iran may struggle to keep up with the demand for more missiles and more weapons, they say. The U.S. State Department says Iran has an inventory of about 3,000 ballistic missiles before Israel’s recent strikes. But past strikes have reportedly included medium-range ballistic missiles such as the Emad and Ghadr-1, and Iran’s first hypersonic Fattah-1. The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence said it was the largest stockpile of missiles in the Mideast. It said missiles could be very effective on their own, but there are limits. It remains unclear which missile types Iran used in its recent strikes, it said.
And since Iran’s supreme leader vowed to open “the gates of hell”, those capabilities have been on display.
Waves of missile and drone barrages have been lighting up the skies across Israel, as Tehran continues targeting the country in response to Operation Rising Lion.
Some have managed to break through Israel’s sophisticated air-defence systems, killing at least 13 people and injuring hundreds more.
But with Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear and military structure, analysts say the strikes have been limited.
And if the conflict between the two countries continues, Iran may struggle to keep up.
Iran poses ‘complex’ challenge
Israel’s operation has wiped out members of Iran’s military command and damaged its nuclear sites.
At least 242 people have also been killed, according to Iran’s state media.
Israel said the goal of Operation Rising Lion was to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Booms and sirens could be heard over Israeli cities on Sunday night after Iran announced a new wave of missile and drone strikes. ( )
Iran has been developing long-range missiles for several decades.
It also possesses vast amounts of short-range rockets and potential hypersonic weapons, most of which are locally produced.
According to US estimates, Iran had an inventory of about 3,000 ballistic missiles before Israel’s recent strikes.
The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence said it was the largest stockpile in the Middle East.
What appear to be the remains of a ballistic missile lie in the desert following Iran’s massive missile and drone attack on Israel in April. ( )
US Central Command chief Kenneth McKenzie warned in March of “the growing size and sophistication of Iran’s missile force”.
“Tehran’s missiles, combined with its nuclear potential, pose a complex deterrence challenge,” he said.
Loading…
What are ballistic missiles?
Ballistic missiles are much harder to intercept than drones, and waves of missiles launched simultaneously can overwhelm air defences.
The missiles are powered by rockets initially, launched like a bullet from a gun.
They then follow an unpowered, free-falling trajectory toward their targets.
When they hit their highest speed, they become ballistic, soaring to high altitudes before taking a deep and fast dive.
Stephan Fruehling from the ANU’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre said the effectiveness of ballistic missiles was their ability to stay on a trajectory once fired.
“They fly along a predictable path,” he said.
“They also come in at a fairly steep angle and very fast, so they’re more difficult to intercept.”
What ballistic missiles does Iran have?
Reaching Israel from Iran requires missiles with ranges of more than 1,000km.
The semi-official Iranian news outlet ISNA published a graphic last year showing nine types of Iranian missiles it said could reach Israel.
It remains unclear which missile types Iran used in its recent strikes.
But past strikes have reportedly included medium-range ballistic missiles such as the Emad and Ghadr-1, and Iran’s first hypersonic Fattah-1.
Michael Shoebridge, director and founder of Strategic Analysis Australia, said missiles could be very effective on their own.
They are fast and can carry heavy payloads, but there are limits.
“Some are not terribly manoeuvrable,” he said.
“You need a broader, effective targeting system so you know where to point them.”
A missile is launched during an air-defence drill in an undisclosed location in Iran. ( )
Some newer versions have upgraded accuracy and technology that allows the missiles to change path during flight.
Iran used Kheibar Shekan missiles in its April and October 2024 attacks on Israel, according to analysis from the Institute for the Study of War.
Kheibar Shekan missiles are fitted with control fins and satellite navigation, which increase precision and allow them to manoeuvre inside the atmosphere.
Last month, Iran’s defence minister also unveiled the Qassem Basir ballistic missile, saying it was designed to evade air-defence systems such as the US-made Patriot.
Breaking Israeli air defences
Israel said its Operation Rising Lion attacks had targeted Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile sites.
Mr Shoebridge said it appeared the attacks were “sufficiently effective”.
Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel have so far included waves of about 200 ballistic missiles, Israeli military officials said.
Two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members speaking to The New York Times stated that Iran originally planned to launch 1,000 ballistic missiles at Israel in response to the Israeli strikes on Iran.
They said that Israeli strikes on Iranian missile bases “made it impossible to move missiles quickly from storage and place them on launch pads”.
This photo taken in Tel Aviv, Israel, shows missiles launched from Iran being intercepted. ( )
Iran was also using its Shahed attack drones to help overwhelm missile interceptors.
Israel claims to have intercepted most of the projectiles launched from Iran.
But some have managed to breach the country’s multi-layered air-defence system.
Missiles have hit central Tel Aviv and cities in the north of the country.
Several sites were hit by the latest barrage, according to the Israeli military.
Israel said at least 13 people were killed and hundreds more were injured.
Israel’s Iron Dome air-defence system was developed to respond to threats from Gaza and southern Lebanon. ( )
Israel’s robust air defences include the Iron Dome, which is for shorter-range threats.
The Iron Dome is one of the most effective air-defence systems in the world.
The David’s Sling, Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 provide defence against medium- and long-range missiles.
Israel also has US Patriot systems in operation, which have a range of about 160km.
David’s Sling is designed to intercept aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. ( )
Professor Fruehling said no system was completely foolproof.
“Things will always get through,” Professor Fruehling said.
“And even if you destroy the ballistic missile, you can still have the warhead coming down and exploding.”
Israel lacks ‘bunker buster’ power
Israel said its surprise attack on Iran was aimed at disrupting Tehran’s nuclear program and lengthening the time it would need to develop an atomic weapon.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Israel is among the nine countries that possess a nuclear arsenal.
Israel refuses to confirm or deny it has nuclear weapons.
Tehran insists its program is entirely civilian and that it does not seek to make an atomic bomb.
But the UN nuclear watchdog reported last week that Iran was violating obligations under the global non-proliferation treaty.
An Israeli strike hit an oil storage facility in Tehran early on Sunday. ( )
Analysts say “the million-dollar question” is how much damage has been done to Iran’s nuclear program.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Natanz complex, south of Tehran, was one of the sites targeted in Israel’s strikes.
The International Atomic Energy Agency later confirmed Natanz had been struck.
Mr Shoebridge said the Israelis would have difficulty destroying the deep underground facilities in places such as Fordo and Natanz.
“The Israelis don’t have the deep bunker-busting types of weapons,” he said.
They would need the equivalent of an American 30,000-pound bomb, but they only had access to a 5,000-pound (2,270kg) munition, he added.
Conflict unlikely to end soon
Israel has assassinated senior military and nuclear chiefs, struck tightly guarded air-defence installations, and smuggled drones deep inside the state.
Tehran said its attacks would be “heavier and more extensive” if Israel continued its hostilities.
But Mr Shoebridge said it appeared Iran was already struggling, and the conflict could quickly become “one-sided”.
“Iran has lost its top military leadership, its top nuclear program leadership, and it lost key air-defence sites,” he said.
“On the flip side, Iran has managed to get a very small number of missiles through that have struck random targets.
“If the Israelis keep up the momentum of their strikes, the Iranians are going to find it harder and harder to defend themselves, let alone respond.”
Professor Fruehling said Israel had demonstrated it had “extraordinarily good intelligence on the Iranians”.
And they had positioned themselves to dig in for the long haul.
“This could well settle into a new pattern where actually there will be a low level of war,” he said.
“The Israelis will continue striking Iran until the overall situation somehow changes, which could well be regime change in Iran.
“I think this is going to go on for a while.”