US President Trump posted on Truth Social, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”
He stressed that the superior military hardware produced by the United States was the reason for this dominance.
Additionally, Trump expressed that his patience was reaching its limit.
This followed his demand at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, for Iran’s “unconditional surrender”.
STRIKE HITS IRAN COMMAND POST
On 17 June 2025, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) bombed Iran’s main emergency military command centre in western Iran, destroying radar installations and air defence systems.
The latest Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) report claims that the IDF destroyed missile infrastructure, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and dozens of surface-to-surface missile launchers.
These attacks represent a step up in Operation Rising Lion, which aims to weaken Iran’s drone and missile capabilities.
KEY IRANIAN LEADER ELIMINATED
The IDF confirmed the death of Major General Ali Shadmani, Iran’s top battlefield commander and head of Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters.
Moreover, the strike demonstrates Israel’s intention to target high-ranking officials. The cybergroup “Predatory Sparrow”, linked to earlier Israeli cyber operations, claimed responsibility for the Bank Sepah hack.
Authorities also accused the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of using the bank to finance military activities.
MISSILE SITES DESTROYED BY IDF
Since Operation Rising Lion began, Israeli forces have reportedly neutralised more than 200 Iranian ballistic missile launchers.
Based on IDF estimates, this amounts to more than half of Iran’s known launcher inventory.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel had destroyed about 1 000 Iranian drones, about half of the regime’s stockpile.
TEHRAN ATTACKED MID-BROADCAST
On 16 June 2025, the IDF attacked the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) studio during a live broadcast in Tehran.
Coordinated attacks destroyed two Iranian F-14 fighter jets before takeoff, key missile infrastructure, and a truck carrying a surface-to-air missile (SAM) between Tehran and Qom.
These actions were confirmed by JINSA’s 17 June 2025 report.
IRAN RETALIATES BY AIR
Iran targeted Israel with several waves of ballistic missiles and drones on June 17. Shortly before impact, Israel’s Home Front Command sent out alerts.
A direct missile strike forced the Bazan refinery in Haifa to close temporarily. Civilians in Tel Aviv were injured by falling shrapnel from missile interceptions.
These incidents marked a sharp increase in regional violence, prompting emergency responses and increased security measures across Israeli cities and vital infrastructure.
PRESIDENT TRUMP INCREASES REGIONAL FOOTPRINT
Amid rising Israel-Iran tensions, the United States increased its military presence in the Middle East on 17 June 2025.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the deployment, including the USS Nimitz, USS Carl Vinson, refuelling tankers, F-16s, F-22s, and F-35 fighter jets.
Officials told Reuters that the move aims to protect American forces, deter Iran, stabilise the area, and expand President Trump’s military options if the conflict worsens.
WILL THIS CONFLICT AFFECT THE STABILITY OF THE REGION?
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