Despite suffering significant leadership losses from Israeli airstrikes, Iran retains a robust missile arsenal—including advanced systems—allowing it to maintain retaliatory attacks over an extended period.
This assessment comes from a former senior Israeli intelligence official who spoke to NBC News on Thursday.
The official described Tehran’s posture as one of “strategic patience,” cautioning against underestimating the country’s ability to respond. “Iran has the resolve and the capability to continue and sustain attacks,” the source said, warning that talk of regime collapse in Iran should be approached with caution.
Missile Interceptions Falling
According to the same official, Israel’s missile defense systems intercepted just 65% of Iranian projectiles over the past 24 hours—a noticeable decline from nearly 90% the previous day.
Iran is reportedly deploying newer, faster missiles equipped with advanced navigation systems, reducing Israel’s response time from 10–11 minutes to as little as six or seven minutes. These systems have enabled Iran to launch more precise strikes, further challenging Israel’s air defenses.
Escalation Amid Nuclear Tensions
Since June 13, Israel has carried out a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, as well as top military officials. The strikes prompted immediate Iranian retaliation, fueling fears of a broader regional escalation.
The United States has continued to pressure Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment activities, which Western powers view as a pathway to developing nuclear weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes.
Diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Oman and launched in April, were scheduled to resume last Sunday. However, the meeting was canceled following Israel’s airstrikes, casting further doubt on prospects for de-escalation.
European stock markets ended the day in negative territory following interest rate decisions by major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE).
The first side event of the Global South NGO Platform was held in Bonn, Germany.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his assassination threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he has instructed the military that “no one is untouchable in Iran."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA), along with our embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the consulate general in Tabriz, continues the process of evacuating Azerbaijani citizens and foreigners from Iranian territory.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has strongly rejected allegations that the IAEA Board of Governors’ June 12 report provided Israel with justification to attack Iran. Grossi emphasized that the agency’s role and reports can never be used to legitimize
European stock markets ended the day in negative territory following interest rate decisions by major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE).
The first side event of the Global South NGO Platform was held in Bonn, Germany.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his assassination threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he has instructed the military that “no one is untouchable in Iran."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA), along with our embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the consulate general in Tabriz, continues the process of evacuating Azerbaijani citizens and foreigners from Iranian territory.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has strongly rejected allegations that the IAEA Board of Governors’ June 12 report provided Israel with justification to attack Iran. Grossi emphasized that the agency’s role and reports can never be used to legitimize
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 19th General Assembly of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) is underway in St. Petersburg, Russia. The gathering, which brings together 41 news agencies from 33 countries, is being hosted by the TASS news agency as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his assassination threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he has instructed the military that “no one is untouchable in Iran."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA), along with our embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the consulate general in Tabriz, continues the process of evacuating Azerbaijani citizens and foreigners from Iranian territory.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, urged the Israeli government to immediately stop its attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites during a press conference at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
European stock markets ended the day in negative territory following interest rate decisions by major central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE).
The first side event of the Global South NGO Platform was held in Bonn, Germany.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his assassination threat against Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he has instructed the military that “no one is untouchable in Iran."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MFA), along with our embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the consulate general in Tabriz, continues the process of evacuating Azerbaijani citizens and foreigners from Iranian territory.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has strongly rejected allegations that the IAEA Board of Governors’ June 12 report provided Israel with justification to attack Iran. Grossi emphasized that the agency’s role and reports can never be used to legitimize
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