TEHERAN/JERUSALEM/UNITED NATIONS/MOSCOW - Iran targeted Israel's military intelligence facilities in its strikes on the southern part of the country on Thursday morning, not a hospital as was reported by some media outlets, Iran's state news agency IRNA said.
The strikes were aimed at the Israeli army's C4I telecommunications corps headquarters and an intelligence facility, IRNA said, adding that the hospital in question was affected by the blast's shockwave.
Several media outlets reported that an Iranian missile hit Soroka Medical Center in the southern city of Beersheba, Israel, with officials reporting "extensive damage."
Israeli media released footage showing blown-out windows and heavy black smoke. It is not yet clear how many people were wounded in the strike.
Meanwhile, Israel attacked Iran's Arak heavy water facility, Iranian state television said Thursday, adding that the facility was evacuated before the attack and there is no threat of leakage.
Israel had previously warned of a potential strike on the facility.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that the country remains steadfast amid its conflict with Israel and will not surrender to anyone amid pressure, according to the Tasnim news agency.
In a televised address, Khamenei praised the "steadfast, courageous, and timely" response of the Iranian people to what he called "the foolish and malicious aggression" of Israel. He said the nation's resilience reflected "the growth of rationality and spirituality" in the country.
"The Iranian nation stands firm against an imposed war, just as it will stand firm against an imposed peace. This nation will not surrender to anyone under pressure," Tasnim quoted Khamenei as saying.
Khamenei also warned that any American military intervention would cause "irreparable damage." "Those who know Iran and its history understand that threatening this nation is futile," he said.
Khamenei's remarks followed a series of social media posts from US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, in which he demanded Iran's "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" and appeared to suggest targeting Khamenei personally. The posts fueled speculation that Trump could involve the US military in the conflict.
The aerial conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its sixth day, with nearly 600 killed in Iran and 24 in Israel. The escalation began after Israel launched surprise airstrikes across Iran on June 13.
New missile attack
Several Iranian missiles were launched toward central Israel on Wednesday evening, as the conflict between the two countries entered its sixth day.
The Israeli military released a statement saying its air defense systems were operating to intercept a new missile attack launched from Iran, urging residents to enter shelters.
Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported later that about five missiles were launched, with at least three of them being intercepted. The broadcaster reported that some of the missiles were intercepted above Jordan and Syria.
Zaki Heler, spokesperson for Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service, said the service received no immediate reports of hits or casualties.
ALSO READ: China steps up efforts to ensure safety of Chinese citizens in Iran, Israel
'Internal security headquarters'
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that Israeli Air Force fighter jets had destroyed "the headquarters of Iran's internal security forces," Israeli media reported.
Strikes in Teheran
A series of powerful explosions rocked Tehran on Wednesday as Israel said its forces were striking military targets in the Iranian capital, marking the sixth day of escalating conflict between the two countries.
Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from multiple locations in eastern and southeastern Tehran following the blasts.
The hostilities, which erupted with surprise Israeli airstrikes on Iran on June 13, have so far killed nearly 600 people in Iran and 24 in Israel, according to official tallies.
Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin said on Wednesday that Israeli forces had struck more than 1,100 targets across Iran in hundreds of sorties since the fighting began.
Nuclear-related facilities targeted
Israel carried out fresh waves of airstrikes in Iran on Wednesday, with the Israeli military saying it was targeting nuclear-related facilities and weapons sites, as the aerial conflict between the two countries entered its sixth day following an Israeli surprise attack.
In the morning, around 25 Israeli fighter jets struck more than 40 military targets in western Iran, including missile infrastructure, weapons storage sites, and personnel linked to the Iranian regime, the Israeli military said in a statement.
It added that overnight, Israeli aircraft struck an Emad-type missile launcher that was loaded and ready to launch toward Israeli territory.
ALSO READ: With all eyes on Israel-Iran conflict, bombardment and blockade continue in Gaza
UN calls for de-escalation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for the immediate de-escalation of the Israeli-Iranian conflict and for an ensuing ceasefire.
"I remain profoundly alarmed by the ongoing military escalation in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. I reiterate my call for immediate de-escalation leading to a ceasefire," said Guterres in a statement.
He warned against the expansion of the conflict, involving other countries.
Russia to mediate dialogue
Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed Russia's readiness to mediate a dialogue between Iran and Israel in a phone call with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Kremlin said Wednesday.
Putin affirmed Russia's willingness to facilitate dialogue between the conflicting parties and has already engaged with several foreign leaders on this matter, it said in a statement.
