On June 16, 2025, a senior Iranian security official made a blunt statement in an interview with Al Jazeera, calling on US President Donald Trump to “decide whether to sacrifice American taxpayer money for Netanyahu’s ambitions.” According to the source, who asked to remain anonymous, Tehran is preparing for further confrontation with Israel and intends to intensify missile attacks if Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure continue. The statement comes amid an escalation in the conflict caused by Israeli attacks on the Natanz nuclear complex and the Shahran oil depot in Tehran.

Iran has fired more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel in the past two days, including Emad, Qadr and Khyber Shakan ballistic missiles, according to Reuters. The attacks hit Tel Aviv, Haifa and their suburbs, causing fires and destruction. According to the Times of Israel, a 60-year-old woman was killed in Bat Yam, and the total number of casualties exceeded 150 people. Israeli air defense systems intercepted about 65% of the missiles, but the hits caused significant damage, including damage to an oil refinery in Haifa. Iran's Fars news agency claims the attacks were "retaliation" for Israeli strikes that destroyed key targets in Tehran, including IRGC warehouses and administrative buildings.

Israel, in turn, continues its operation, striking military targets in Iran. According to the IDF, the Israeli Air Force attacked command centers in Isfahan and Karaj, and destroyed some Iranian air defense systems. Iranian authorities reported 90 deaths, including several high-ranking IRGC officers.