Image reproduced from 工商時報

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently declared that if Iran continues to fire missiles at civilian areas, "Tehran will burn." He warned that the residents of Tehran will pay a heavy price for the suffering endured by Israeli citizens. The Israeli military has stated that it will continue attacking Tehran, asserting that "the road to Tehran has already been paved."

In response to escalating tensions, Iran has threatened retaliation against Israel and its allies. Reports indicate that Tehran has officially informed France, the UK, and the US of its threats, stating that any country helping Israel intercept missiles will also be targeted in retaliation. These targets could include military bases in the Middle East and vessels in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.

On June 14, Israeli forces conducted further attacks on Iran. Footage from Iranian state media showed a fire breaking out at a factory in western Iran previously used for car production. Iranian state news agency also reported attacks in the southwestern city of Abadan and the border town of Kermanshah, close to Iraq. Meanwhile, Iran conducted retaliatory strikes that led to explosions in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv early on June 14. The Israeli military has urged civilians to take shelter, and health authorities in Tel Aviv confirmed that at least one person has died and more than 34 have been injured, including a woman who was severely hurt after being trapped under rubble.

In neighboring Rishon Lezion, Iranian missiles exploded near several residential buildings, resulting in at least two deaths and 19 injuries. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that it has not detected any increased radiation levels at Iran's facilities in Isfahan and Natanz following the attacks and emphasized that it is maintaining close communication with Iranian authorities. The primary targets of Israel's attacks were Iran's nuclear facilities and nuclear scientists, with the stated aim of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran has long denied these allegations, asserting that its nuclear program is primarily for peaceful purposes.

Furthermore, the Tasnim news agency, closely linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that three nuclear scientists were killed in the Israeli strikes on June 14. The day before, at least six nuclear scientists had already been confirmed dead. According to the Geneva Conventions, scientists with civilian status are generally not to be targeted unless they are directly involved in hostile actions, and violations of this rule may constitute a war crime.

In a related incident, Iranian state television reported that its military claimed to have shot down a U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jet from the Israeli Air Force, with the pilot ejecting and currently unaccounted for. However, Israel has not confirmed this information, and its military denied reports that multiple aircraft were shot down by Iran. Additionally, Iran's telecommunications authority has restricted internet services, stating that the restrictions will be lifted once normalcy is restored. Tehran-based users reported that internet access has been severely restricted, with significant slowdowns in speeds. Iranian authorities have previously lowered internet speeds during large protests to hinder communication.

The upcoming round of U.S.-Iran negotiations, originally scheduled for June 15, remains uncertain. The Iranian foreign ministry stated that no decision had been made regarding participation or cancellation of the talks, adding that negotiating with the U.S. over Iran's nuclear program has now become pointless, as the U.S. "cannot hold talks on one hand while allowing Israel to attack Iran on the other." The statement also indicated that without Washington's approval, Israel would not be able to carry out such attacks, diverging from Washington's claims that "the attack has nothing to do with America."