Intense Missile Strikes Mark Fourth Day of Iran-Israel Conflict

Tel Aviv, Jun 16 (AP) — Iran launched another salvo of missile attacks against Israel early Monday, prompting air raid sirens to echo across the nation as emergency services reported at least five fatalities and numerous injuries.

This confrontation marks the fourth consecutive day of open warfare between these regional adversaries, with no indications of conflict abatement.

Tel Aviv experienced powerful explosions, believed to be the result of Israel's defense systems intercepting Iranian missiles, shortly before dawn. Plumes of dense black smoke ascended over this prominent coastal city.

This latest missile barrage follows a weekend of intensifying reciprocal attacks between Israel and Iran, escalating concerns about a broader and potentially more hazardous regional conflict.

Iran announced on Sunday that Israel had targeted its oil refineries, killed the intelligence chief of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, and struck population centers with extensive aerial assaults.

Noteworthy Developments:

Iranian Missile Causes Minor Damage to U.S. Consulate in Tel Aviv

The U.S. Consulate in Tel Aviv sustained minor damage due to the impact of a nearby Iranian missile, according to U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee on Monday. Huckabee stated on X that no American personnel were injured, but both the consulate in Tel Aviv and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem would remain closed for the day as a precaution.

This incident occurred amid a fresh wave of Iranian missile attacks in retaliation for Israel's comprehensive strikes on Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure.

Iran's Health Ministry Reports 224 Fatalities Since Friday

The Iranian health ministry reported that 224 people have died since Israel launched its attacks on Friday. Spokesman Hossein Kermanpour claimed on social media that 1,277 others were hospitalized, with over 90 percent of the victims being civilians.

In contrast, Israel reported 14 fatalities on its side since Friday, alongside 390 injuries.

EU Foreign Ministers to Convene Tuesday

The European Union's chief diplomat has arranged an emergency meeting of the 27-member bloc's foreign ministers on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing conflict. The meeting, held via video link, aims to facilitate an exchange of views and coordinate diplomatic outreach to Tel Aviv and Tehran. It will also consider possible future actions, the office of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated on Sunday.

"We will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, which can only be achieved through a negotiated deal," it added.

Trump Vetoed Israeli Plan to Assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader

President Donald Trump vetoed an Israeli plan presented to the U.S. to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a U.S. official familiar with the situation.

Israeli officials had recently informed the Trump administration of a credible plan to eliminate Khamenei. However, after being briefed on the plan, the White House advised Israeli officials that Trump opposed the move, viewing it as potentially exacerbating the conflict and destabilizing the region, the official said on condition of anonymity.

The Trump administration is keen to prevent Israel's military operations, aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear program, from escalating into a broader conflict and considered the plan to assassinate Khamenei as likely to inflame tensions further. (AP) PY PY

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