On June 15 (local time), the Israeli military warned civilians living near Iranian weapons facilities to evacuate immediately. This suggests that Israel may launch a new offensive, despite Iran's statement that it would halt its response if Israel stops its attacks.
According to AP and AFP Yonhap News, Colonel Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesperson, urged civilians residing in villages near military weapons manufacturing plants across Iran to evacuate immediately via a post on X (formerly Twitter). In his message, posted in Arabic and Persian, Colonel Adraee stated, "For your safety, we ask you to evacuate these areas immediately and not return until further notice," warning that "approaching these facilities puts your life at risk."
This warning is being interpreted as a sign that additional Israeli airstrikes against Iran are imminent. In the past, Colonel Adraee has posted warnings hinting at attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen during the Gaza war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
On June 13, Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran's nuclear and military facilities, citing the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran immediately retaliated, escalating tensions in the Middle East. On the same day, Israel also attacked the Iranian Ministry of Defense and defense research institutes, while Iran fired missiles at multiple locations in Israel. Iran's Fars News Agency reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps used a new ballistic missile, the Haj Qasem, in its airstrike against Israel.
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would also halt its response if Israel stopped its attacks. However, as the Israeli military hints at new attacks, concerns are growing that the conflict may be prolonged. Experts predict that Israel is likely to continue targeting key personnel and infrastructure in an effort to disrupt Iran's command structure for the time being.
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