Israel strikes kill Iran’s wartime chief as conflict spirals, says Israeli military

In a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, Israeli forces announced the killing of Iran’s wartime chief of staff, Ali Shadmani, during the latest round of targeted airstrikes. The high-ranking Iranian military commander, described as one of the architects of Tehran’s war strategy, was eliminated amid a ferocious exchange of strikes that has engulfed both nations.

The strike came as Iran unleashed a fresh barrage of missiles on Tel Aviv early on June 17, forcing Israeli civilians into shelters as sirens blared across the city. Although Israel’s national emergency services reported no civilian casualties in the latest Iranian assault, the ongoing violence has already claimed at least 22 Israeli lives. Iran’s health ministry confirmed its own toll has soared to 224 as Israeli retaliation continues to pound strategic targets.

Amid the widening warzone, diplomatic efforts flickered behind the scenes. Reports indicate that a delegation from former US President Donald Trump’s circle, including envoy Steve Witkoff, is exploring the possibility of direct talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a bid to revive nuclear negotiations. Speaking at the G7 Summit in Canada, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed that Trump had floated a possible ceasefire proposal to fellow world leaders, suggesting it could serve as a springboard for broader peace discussions.

The G7 nations, however, collectively rallied behind Israel, condemning Iran as a destabilizing force in the Middle East. Meanwhile, in a sharp warning, a senior Iranian military commander told state media that a new wave of drone attacks targeting Israel is imminent, signaling no respite in hostilities. “Hundreds of drones will strike in the coming hours,” the commander threatened, as quoted by IRNA.

The conflict's rapid escalation is sparking global concern. Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno bluntly stated there were “no signs” of de-escalation, urging the EU to consider an arms embargo against Israel. Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Ministry reported ongoing evacuations of Chinese nationals from both conflict zones, calling on nations with “special influence” over Israel to act swiftly and prevent further deterioration.

As the fifth day of open warfare unfolds, fears mount that the region is inching dangerously close to a broader catastrophe — even as whispers of diplomacy attempt to break through the roar of missiles.