Israel initiated strikes against Iran last Friday, focusing on various military and nuclear installations, resulting in the deaths of prominent leaders in positions of authority. These assaults elicited a response from Iran, which rapidly escalated into a conflict that heightened tensions in West Asia.
Israel and Iran continued their exchange of fire on Saturday as the conflict entered its second week following unsuccessful talks between Europe and Tehran.
While the chief of Israel’s military has reiterated the intention for “prolonged attacks,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has ruled out any further nuclear discussions until the Israeli army ceases its aggression.
Israel initiated its attacks on Iran last Friday, targeting multiple military and nuclear facilities, and eliminating key leaders in significant positions. These assaults prompted a swift retaliation from Iran, escalating into a conflict that heightened tensions in West Asia.
What has transpired since the morning?
Iran’s Fars news agency reported that Israel targeted the Isfahan nuclear facility, one of the largest in the country, although there was no leakage of hazardous materials. Additionally, Iranian media indicated that Israel attacked a structure in the city of Qom, with initial reports indicating a 16-year-old was killed and two others were injured.
The Israeli military announced it had executed a series of attacks on missile storage and launch infrastructure sites within Iran.
Shortly after 2:30 am in Israel, the Israeli military issued a warning regarding an incoming missile barrage from Iran, activating air raid sirens in various parts of central Israel, including Tel Aviv, as well as in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the strikes in Qom resulted in the deaths of two IRGC commanders, one of whom had financed and armed Hamas for the attacks on October 7.
Iran dismisses nuclear negotiations.
Araghchi asserted that Iran would only consider diplomacy once Israel’s “aggression is halted.”
He stressed that Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful and condemned Israel’s assaults as breaches of international law. He further stated that Iran would persist in exercising its legitimate right to self-defense.
“I want to make it abundantly clear that Iran’s defense capabilities are non-negotiable,” the Iranian Foreign Minister declared.
In the meantime, Israel’s representative to the United Nations has charged Iran with possessing a “genocidal agenda,” stating that its military will continue to target its nuclear installations until they are completely dismantled.
Trump asserts that Iran seeks negotiations
US President Donald Trump remarked that the Europeans would “not be able to help” in bringing an end to the conflict.
“Iran does not wish to engage with Europe. They prefer to communicate with us,” he stated.
He further mentioned that Iran has a “maximum” of two weeks to avert potential US air strikes, suggesting that he might reach a decision prior to the two-week deadline he established the previous day.
With contributions from various agencies
