Iran establishes national defense council after war with “Israel”

Iran announced Sunday the creation of a National Defense Council aimed at strengthening its military capabilities following its recent war with “Israel”, state television reported.

"The Supreme National Security Council has approved the creation of the National Defense Council," state TV said.

The announcement comes after the 12-day war initiated by “Israel”, with US support, last June.

State television added that the new council will be chaired by the president of the Islamic Republic and will include leaders of the armed forces and relevant ministries.

The new council will "study defense plans" and "strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces centrally," according to the report.

“Israel” launched an unprecedented attack on Iran on June 13, with the stated goal of preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons, an endeavor that Tehran denies, asserting its right to civil nuclear power.

During the war, “Israel” primarily targeted nuclear and military installations, killing senior military officials and scientists working on Iran's nuclear program.

Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at “Israel” and targeting the largest US base in the Middle East, located in Qatar.

On June 22, the US bombed the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordo, south of Tehran, and two nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz in central Iran.

A ceasefire went into effect on June 24 after 12 days of war. According to Iranian authorities, more than 1,000 people were killed in Iran during the conflict. For its part, “Israel” reported 28 deaths.