Iranian strikes against Israel

The United States is set to impose new sanctions on Iran following the delivery of ballistic missiles from Tehran to Moscow, despite repeated warnings from the West. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to London, announced the move, noting that Russia is expected to use the missiles in its war against Ukraine in the coming weeks.

Western powers on Tuesday announced fresh sanctions on Iran for supplying Russia with short-range missiles for imminent use against Ukraine, calling it a dangerous escalation of the conflict that threatened European security.

Both Iran and Israel should avoid escalating conflict, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday, in his most direct wording toward U.S. ally Israel on the Middle East's spiraling tensions.

Israel is on high alert, anticipating retaliation from Iran and its allies following the funerals of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in Tehran and Beirut.

Tehran has informed the Security Council of its intention to act within the framework of legitimate self-defense. Concerns about Iranian retaliation are growing, with conflicting reports intensifying the unease.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone call with Iran's acting top diplomat, Ali Bagheri Kani, on June 30 to discuss the war in Gaza and its potential to spread conflict across the region, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has suggested that Cyprus put itself in the way of becoming a target of Hezbollah, after the Lebanon-based militant group threatened the EU member-state that it would become "part of this war too," if it allowed Israel to use its bases and airports.