Ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel entered their third day Sunday, with both sides escalating their military
campaigns amid the collapse of nuclear discussions between Iran and the United States in Oman.
Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple sites across Iran, including oil refineries and defense infrastructure, while Iran launched
missile barrages that breached parts of Israel’s defense systems, striking central areas of the country.
The mounting conflict follows Israel’s surprise operation aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear development.
Tehran officials confirmed that energy facilities in southern Tehran had been struck, causing massive fires and thick smoke plumes.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that retaliatory action would cease if Israel halts its offensive, while also accusing
the United States of complicity in the attacks.
The Human Rights Activists group, based in Washington, reported over 400 fatalities and more than 650 injuries in Iran.
Although Iran’s government has yet to release comprehensive casualty figures, partial reports suggest extensive damage and loss of life.
In Israel, emergency services confirmed that at least 13 people have died since the attacks began, including two children.
Iranian forces have launched over 270 missiles, with at least 22 reaching Israeli territory.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of harsher retaliation if missile attacks from Iran persist, stating bluntly, “Tehran will burn.”
His remarks followed Israel’s strikes on Iran’s Ministry of Defense and other high-value military and nuclear-linked sites.
According to Israel’s military, these operations resulted in the deaths of key Iranian generals and nuclear scientists.
Despite Israel’s advanced air defense systems, some Iranian missiles penetrated protective layers, highlighting the
vulnerability of even the most fortified infrastructure. Meanwhile, citizens in both countries have been urged to take shelter amid fears of further escalation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed calls from international leaders to de-escalate the crisis, warning that the
strikes so far are minor compared to what could follow if Iran continues its offensive.
Reports confirmed that Israel’s initial wave of attacks used both manned aircraft and pre-positioned drones.
The military described the targeted Iranian personnel as central to the country’s nuclear weapons ambitions.
As tensions rise, diplomatic efforts have come to a standstill. Talks scheduled for Sunday between U.S. and Iranian representatives
in Oman were abruptly canceled. Oman’s foreign minister reiterated that only diplomacy can lead to lasting peace, but both sides appear entrenched for now.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, in multiple social media posts, asserted that peace between the two nations is still within reach.
He emphasized that while the U.S. was not directly involved in Israel’s military operations, any attack on American forces would provoke a massive response.
Trump expressed confidence in brokering a peace deal, comparing the situation to his past efforts involving other international
conflicts, and calling for calm and dialogue.
Among the most significant Israeli targets was the Natanz nuclear enrichment complex. Satellite imagery and field reports confirmed
the destruction of the facility’s above-ground sections, although underground centrifuge systems appeared intact.
Nevertheless, experts warn the infrastructure may be compromised due to power loss.
Further damage was reported at the Isfahan uranium conversion site and the Fordo enrichment facility. The International Atomic Energy Agency
confirmed four critical buildings were affected but noted no radiation leakage.
An Israeli military official stated it could take Iran months to recover from the damage inflicted on its nuclear infrastructure.
The strikes, according to Israeli intelligence, were aimed at facilities believed to support Iran’s military ambitions.
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton echoed concerns that Iran was nearing the production of weapons-grade uranium, which he described as a critical
factor prompting Israel’s preemptive actions.
As the conflict enters another volatile day, global leaders continue urging restraint, but both nations appear determined to pursue
their objectives—with or without diplomacy.