Live: Day 9. Iran Launches 18th Wave of Attacks on the Heart of Israel
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Nuclear Scientist and Wife Assassinated
WANA (Jun 21) – Dr. Seyed Issar Tabatabaei Qomsheh, a senior Iranian nuclear scientist, and his wife were assassinated at their home. He held a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering and had long served in Iran’s nuclear industry.
WANA (Jun 21) – Coinciding with the launch of the new phase of Operation “True Promise 3,” a mural titled “I Am a Soldier of Iran” was unveiled in Tehran’s Vali Asr Square on the morning of Saturday, June 21.
This new artwork centers on the theme of the people’s commitment to defending Iran’s territorial integrity, presented under the slogan “I Am a Soldier of Iran.” The mural is part of broader cultural efforts aimed at strengthening national unity and showcasing the public’s readiness and solidarity in defending the homeland.
Israeli-Linked Electronic Bomb Neutralized in Western Tehran
WANA (Jun 21) – According to the spokesperson of Iran’s Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA), an electronic bomb planted by Israeli operatives was safely defused in western Tehran. Thanks to the vigilance of local residents and the swift action of FARAJA’s bomb disposal team, the device was relocated to an open and secure area before being successfully neutralized.
Iranian Athletes Hold Protest in Front of UN Office in Tehran
WANA (Jun 21) – On the morning of Saturday, June 21, a group of Iranian athletes gathered in front of the United Nations headquarters in Tehran to protest the recent Israeli attack on Iranian soil. The participants strongly condemned Israel’s military aggression and the killing of civilians and athletes, expressing their full support for the Iranian people and armed forces. The protest was described as a symbol of unity and solidarity within Iran’s sports community in defense of the country’s territorial integrity.
Tel Aviv Looks Like Khan Younis
WANA (Jun 21) – The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, quoting an Israeli army officer who served in the Gaza war, wrote: “The destruction caused by Iranian missiles in Tel Aviv is insane.” Describing the targeted areas—especially Ramat Gan—he said, “I felt like I was in Khan Younis or Beit Hanoun.” He emphasized that parts of the city have turned into a battlefield.
Israeli Strikes Damage 7 Ambulances, Injure 14 EMTs in Iran
WANA (Jun 21) – Iran’s Emergency Chief reported that Israeli attacks damaged 7 ambulances, injured 14 emergency medical technicians (EMTs)—some severely—and hit 3 emergency bases, a health center, and 3 hospitals.
Global Support for Iran
WANA (Jun 21) – People from many countries around the world, including Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, the Netherlands, South Korea, Canada, and… took to the streets to express their support for Iran in response to the Israeli attack and voiced their protest.
In the latest action, hundreds of Malaysian Muslims gathered in front of the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to show solidarity with Iran and Palestine.
Images of South Korean people showing support for Iran. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Latest Casualty Figures in Iran
WANA (Jun 21) – Iran’s Ministry of Health announced that since the beginning of the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran, 430 civilians have been martyred and more than 3,500 have been injured.
Isfahan Nuclear Site Attacked
WANA (Jun 21) – The Isfahan Governor’s Office stated: The Isfahan nuclear site was among the targets of the Israeli attacks, which were met with air defense responses. Most of the explosions heard during these attacks were due to air defense activity, although some were related to enemy assaults.
There has been no leakage of hazardous materials in the area, and there is no cause for concern.
WANA (Jun 21) – On the ninth day of unprecedented clashes between Iran and Israel, the 18th wave of Operation “True Promise 3” targeted military positions deep inside Israeli territory. This latest assault not only reached Ben Gurion Airport and Israeli army logistics centers, but also once again pierced the air defense systems and struck key sites in Tel Aviv, including the capital and core security facilities.
According to an official statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), tonight’s operation involved a massive deployment of Shahed-136 combat and suicide drones, alongside precision-guided ballistic missiles using both solid and liquid fuel. The drones, said to have operated in multiple squadrons in a coordinated and continuous pattern over occupied territory, reportedly overwhelmed Israel’s defense systems.
One of the most notable targets was Ben Gurion Airport, along with a security facility in the city of Holon, located in central Israel near the well-known Golda Meir Boulevard. International media described the strike on this site as an attack on sensitive intelligence infrastructure. The New York Times reported that in a separate missile strike on Haifa, part of a building housing the Israeli Ministry of Interior was damaged.
In Tel Aviv, plumes of smoke rose after ballistic missiles hit the city. Israeli outlets, including Channel 12, confirmed that the newly deployed “Barak” missile defense system—specifically designed to counter Iranian drones—has yet to demonstrate reliable effectiveness despite being activated in several regions since Friday.
45 laboratories at the Weizmann Institute were destroyed in Iranian missile attacks, social media / WANA News Agency
Meanwhile, the financial toll of the conflict has grown sharply. The Washington Post reported that Israel has spent roughly $6.5 billion in the past nine days, with $2.5 billion allocated to air defense systems alone. Israeli media also noted that in just six days of conflict, over 2 billion shekels in damage claims have been filed.
On the domestic front, Iran’s Intelligence and Security Police in Qom Province announced the arrest of 22 individuals on charges of spying for Israel and attempting to disrupt public morale. Separately, the Police Chief of Bushehr Province reported the arrest of nine individuals accused of supporting Israel, spreading disinformation, and disturbing psychological security.
These developments highlight the increasing focus of Iranian security agencies on hybrid and psychological warfare.
Diplomatic Push Amid Crisis: Protest to Grossi and a Visit to Istanbul
Alongside the 18th wave of military action, Iran intensified its diplomatic efforts. Tehran submitted a formal letter to the UN Security Council criticizing what it called the “politicized conduct” of Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the IAEA—signaling growing dissatisfaction with the handling of Iran’s nuclear dossier.
In parallel, the Iranian Foreign Minister’s trip to Istanbul for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers’ meeting aimed to rally support from Muslim nations against Israeli aggression. The summit, starting June 20, brings together delegates from 57 countries, including over 40 foreign ministers and observers. The official theme, “The OIC in a Changing World,” resonates sharply amid the current Iran-Israel confrontation.
Araghchi: “We Can No Longer Trust the United States”
In an interview with NBC News, Iran’s Foreign Minister delivered his clearest stance yet on the prospect of renewed talks:“We no longer know how we can trust the Americans. What they’ve done is a betrayal of diplomacy.”
Asked about the possibility of a deal within the next two weeks, he responded: “That depends on the Americans. Do they genuinely want a diplomatic solution—or are they just using talks as a cover for military aggression?”
According to Araghchi, Iran has made clear that any negotiation must be preceded by a halt to Israeli attacks. He also emphasized that Iran will never fully suspend its uranium enrichment program.
Given the speed at which news spreads, WANA News Agency cannot confirm or deny the accuracy of some of them.
This live report will be updated throughout the day.
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