Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin addressed the press, emphasizing that Israel is facing simultaneous threats across multiple fronts. "While we are working to neutralize the threat posed by Iran, we continue to battle their proxy, Hamas, in Gaza," he said. Defrin noted that Hamas is still holding 53 hostages under what he described as brutal conditions, and pledged, "We will not rest until they are returned home." The briefing was brief, with no questions taken.
Earlier, Defrin confirmed that Israeli forces had carried out extensive operations targeting Iranian infrastructure. “We have struck deep, hitting Iran’s nuclear, ballistic, and command capabilities,” he said. He also announced that Ali Shadmani, a senior Iranian security official and wartime chief of general staff, was killed overnight. Shadmani had only recently assumed the role after his predecessor, Gholamali Rashid, was killed in a previous Israeli strike. Iranian state media had not yet reported Shadmani’s death.
Meanwhile, reports of fresh explosions emerged from the Iranian capital. AFP reported loud blasts echoing across Tehran, while Iran's Irna news agency described the situation as involving "continuous and intense" detonations.
From London, UK Defence Secretary John Healey described the deteriorating security landscape in the Middle East as “a dangerous moment” for the region. He reiterated the UK’s support for Israel’s right to security, alongside long-standing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. However, Healey urged restraint from all sides, stating that only diplomacy could lead to lasting peace. He confirmed that additional UK military assets, including Typhoon jets, had been deployed to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to protect British forces, now on high alert. Asked whether the US might become further involved in Israel’s actions, Healey pointed to President Trump’s ongoing pressure on Tehran to reach a nuclear deal. He said the reinforced military presence by both the UK and US served to underscore that a diplomatic solution remains the preferred path.
In a video message posted online, Iran’s Armed Forces chief of staff, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, warned residents of Israeli cities—specifically Tel Aviv and Haifa—to evacuate immediately “to save their lives.” He characterized recent Iranian strikes as a “deterrent warning” and stated that a “punitive operation” would soon follow. Although Iranian attacks have killed at least 24 Israelis since Friday, most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems.
At the White House, President Trump is expected to convene a meeting of the National Security Council shortly. No additional details have yet been released.
