"Iran doesn't believe in nuclear arms," says Deputy FM Ravanchi

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi has issued a strong warning that Iran will have no choice but to retaliate if the United States joins forces with Israel in the ongoing conflict, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

In an interview with a US television outlet, Ravanchi stated, “We do not believe in nuclear weapons, but if the US gets involved in war alongside Israel, then we will be forced to respond in self-defence.”

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi emphasised that Iran will act wherever it deems necessary and clarified, “This is a straightforward and clear policy.”

Ravanchi also confirmed that Iran has not attempted to resume nuclear negotiations with the US or Israel, signalling a hardening diplomatic stance amidst rising regional tensions.

Meanwhile, in a dramatic escalation, Iran launched a fresh missile attack on Israel, deploying the advanced “Sejjil” ballistic missile for the first time.

According to Iranian sources, the Sejjil missile successfully penetrated Israel’s defence systems, hitting its intended targets.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the Sejjil possesses the capability to challenge and bypass Israel’s sophisticated air defence systems.

In response, Israeli sources have claimed they launched additional missiles targeting Tehran, escalating the standoff.

Simultaneously, reports indicate that Iran temporarily shut down internet services, possibly as a security precaution during military operations.

New salvo of missiles fired at Israel

Iranian media reported a new salvo of missiles fired at Israel Thursday, as the rivals traded fire for a seventh day.

"The missiles roared over Tel Aviv," the Iranian news agency Fars reported, while state television broadcast live images of the commercial hub.

Israeli hospital, Tel Aviv area struck by Iranian missiles: officials

A hospital in southern Israel was hit during a barrage of "dozens" of Iranian missiles on Thursday, officials said, while another impact was reported by emergency services in the Tel Aviv area.

A spokesperson for the hospital reported "damage to the hospital and extensive damage in various areas. We are currently assessing the damage, including injuries. We ask the public not to come to the hospital at this time."

As well as serving populations in southern Israel, Soroka hospital is known to treat soldiers wounded in Gaza.

Sirens sounded across Israel early Thursday as the Israeli military said it detected incoming missiles from Iran and AFP journalists reported hearing loud blasts in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

A military official added that "dozens of ballistic missiles" had been launched at Israel.