Israel launched a series of strikes targeting Iranian oil depots, missile storage facilities, and the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tehran, escalating tensions between the two nations. In response, Iran fired a new wave of missiles and drones at Israeli cities, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Israel’s targeting of a major gas facility, warning it could “expand the war beyond Iranian territory” and describing the attacks on nuclear sites as a “dangerous escalation.”
He added that Iran would halt missile strikes if Israeli attacks stopped, accusing Israel of rejecting diplomacy, according to DW.COM
The Israeli military urged Iranian civilians living near suspected military sites to evacuate immediately. This warning followed a night of intensive Israeli airstrikes on strategic Iranian locations, including the headquarters of the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), a body allegedly linked to nuclear development.
On the ground in Israel, casualties mounted. Six people were killed in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, and four more in Tamra in the north. President Isaac Herzog called it a “tragic and painful morning,” accusing Iran of deliberately targeting civilians. Over 100 people were injured in Bat Yam alone, where a residential building collapse is feared, with 35 people still missing.
The Houthi rebel group in Yemen claimed it coordinated with Iran in launching several missile attacks on Israel, although Israeli officials said they had no confirmation of Houthi involvement in the latest strikes.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army reported further strikes on Iranian positions in the country’s west, targeting missile infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump, addressing the situation on social media, disavowed any US involvement in the strikes on Iran but warned Tehran that any attack on American forces would provoke a massive military response: “The full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.”
Despite the escalation, diplomatic efforts continued. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking from Qatar, expressed hope for de-escalation and said Germany is urging regional actors to facilitate talks with Iran and Israel. He also met with leaders in Saudi Arabia to explore potential avenues for compromise.
So far, 13 Israelis have died in the ongoing conflict, which shows no immediate signs of easing. The international community is watching closely as the risk of broader regional war grows.
