Israel vows intensified strikes as Iran continues missile attacks

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel will intensify and expand its strikes on Iran after continued ballistic missile fire targeted Israeli civilian areas. His comments followed a series of Israeli airstrikes on key Iranian military assets, including a central naval missile and mine production facility in Yazd, ballistic missile factories, air defense systems and weapons manufacturing sites in the Tehran area. Israel said the strikes were aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to launch further attacks.

Iran renewed missile and drone attacks on Israel and several Gulf states, including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, after an hours-long lull. Most missiles aimed at Israel were intercepted, though air raid sirens sounded across multiple regions. Iranian attacks also caused material damage to port facilities in Kuwait and prompted heightened alerts in Qatar and other Gulf countries. Tehran warned civilians in the region to distance themselves from locations hosting American forces, threatening to target such sites.

Amid the escalating violence, diplomatic efforts continued. Iran criticized a proposal by President Donald Trump to end the war as one-sided, but officials from Germany and Egypt indicated that preparations were underway for possible direct talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Iran has restricted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy markets, as both sides signal readiness for further escalation despite tentative diplomatic contacts.