Israel intercepts 30 Iranian drones as Arab Nations call for De-escalation

Israel’s military intercepted and eliminated 30 drones from Iran overnight, as the Israel Defence Forces today described it as the least impactful night by the Iranian attacks since the beginning of this operation. The IDF also reported Iran fired several ballistic missiles toward Israel, though the exact number was not specified.

Around 20 missiles fired from Iran today triggered sirens across Israel, including northern and southern areas, central Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Reports indicated a direct hit in central Israel, with property damage confirmed by Israeli police, though authorities have not officially confirmed the strike.

The foreign ministers of 20 Arab and Muslim countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, and Pakistan, denounced Israel’s attacks on Iran and called for de-escalation in a joint statement. The ministers expressed grave concern over the dangerous escalation in the region and urged all parties to settle disputes peacefully while respecting



state sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also emphasised the importance of creating a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and urged countries to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

US President Donald Trump called for the immediate evacuation of all of Tehran, issuing the warning shortly after Israeli forces told residents in northeastern Tehran to leave ahead of planned strikes. The Pentagon announced the deployment of additional military capabilities to West Asia to enhance the defensive posture amid the escalating conflict.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz later clarified that Israel has no intention of deliberately harming Tehran’s residents.

“There is no intention to physically harm the residents of Tehran as the murderous dictator does to the residents of Israel,” Katz said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed yesterday that the strikes have set Iran’s nuclear program back “years”.