Missiles fired from Iran struck a major hospital in southern Israel and hit residential areas in Tel Aviv on Thursday, injuring 240 people and causing significant damage.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and stated that the military has been directed to ensure Khamenei “absolutely should not continue to exist” as part of strategic goals.
Meanwhile, Israel targeted Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, marking another move in its campaign against Iran’s nuclear program. According to Iranian state media, the facility was empty at the time so there was no risk of radiation spill.
Australia announced the closure of its Tehran embassy, citing security concerns while urging its citizens in Iran to leave quickly. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized collaboration with the U.S. to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms and ease tensions diplomatically.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed concerns over the precarious situation in the Middle East and discussed diplomatic solutions with U.S. counterparts. Lammy stressed that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and highlighted a narrow window for diplomacy.
In Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to engage in face-to-face talks with European diplomats amid escalating concerns, marking Iran’s first direct discussions in the crisis.
In advance of strikes, the Israeli military warned locals to evacuate Rasht in Iran. Iran’s internet disruptions hinder external communications, complicating information flow and hindering media operations.
Human Rights Activists, a Washington-based organization, reported that Israeli airstrikes in Iran resulted in 657 deaths and 2,037 injuries, with civilian and security personnel fatalities. The casualty figures contrast with Iranian official reports, which remain limited.
Israeli airstrikes also extended to the city of Rasht, with Iranian media reporting explosions. The Fars news agency noted attempts by local air defenses to counter the Israeli onslaught.
Several U.S. airlines have opted to suspend flights to the Middle East due to mounting tensions, citing safety concerns, while observing the unfolding situation closely for any further adjustments.
Germany’s ambassador in Tehran faced diplomatic rebuke from Iran over perceived support for Israeli military actions, reflecting the heightened diplomatic tensions between Iran and international actors.
In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike on Shati Camp resulted in 19 casualties, further amplifying the humanitarian crisis that has strained local medical facilities struggling amid resource constraints.
In response to the Iranian missile strike, some patients at an Israeli hospital had been relocated to safer parts of the institution, helping to mitigate potential casualties despite significant damage to the building infrastructure.
The Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani discussed a diplomatic resolution to the Israel-Iran conflict with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing both nations’ commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation in Iran while addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
President Donald Trump plans to decide on actions regarding Iran within the next fortnight, retaining hopes for a diplomatic resolution while recognizing Israel’s security concerns.
The U.N. highlighted ongoing challenges in restoring communications in central and southern Gaza, disrupted due to damaged infrastructure and limited access imposed by Israeli authorities.
Iran has called on the U.N. Security Council to rebuke recent Israeli strikes on its facilities, citing violations of international law and stressing the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, meeting with European Foreign Ministers and affirming the importance of dialogue away from military action.
Canada has announced measures to assist its nationals in evacuated zones in Israel and Iran, routing them through neighboring regions to facilitate safe departures amid escalating conflict dynamics.
Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi praised Iran’s retaliatory stance against Israel, criticizing the U.S.’s attempts to pressure Iran into surrendering while reaffirming opposition against Israel.
Israel’s efforts to stabilize the situation have seen stranded Israelis returning via atypical routes like cruise ships from Cyprus, as traditional air travel remains disrupted due to regional hostilities.
Iran has continued to experience significant internet outages, affecting communication both within and outside the nation, turning social media into a rare channel for information dissemination.
Russian officials have expressed apprehension about security implications for their projects in Iran, especially their workers at the Bushehr nuclear facility, calling for calm and restraint.
Details from Israeli military assessments reveal Iran’s missile assault included advanced weaponry, compounding Israel’s defense challenges while remaining committed to neutralizing threats.
Israeli forces assert substantial progress in disabling Iranian military capabilities, damaging a major portion of the nation’s ballistic arsenal while continuing operations against possible nuclear facilities.
Amidst the intensifying Iraqi involvement, militia groups have threatened actions against U.S. interests should grave harm befall Iran’s leadership, reflecting the sprawling and volatile diplomatic landscape.
China and Russia issued statements condemning the aggression and urging for peaceful resolutions, aligning their positions as actors seeking a negotiated settlement despite the escalating pressures.
As tensions escalate, multiple international entities expressed readiness to initiate evacuations from the fraught regions, underlining concerns over safety and potential diplomatic fallout from the ongoing conflict.
In conclusion, the international community continues to respond to the ongoing hostilities with calls for immediate ceasefires, negotiations, and humanitarian efforts, seeking to defuse the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.