Israel launches overnight airstrikes at Iran. Source image:CNN
(The Post News)- In the latest chapter of the Israel-Iran war, Israeli military aircraft launched a major airstrike campaign overnight, hitting several missile manufacturing factories and a crucial nuclear weapons research site in Iran.
According to a statement released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), over 60 fighter jets were involved in the operation, dropping more than 120 bombs on a range of high-value targets. Among the key sites hit was the headquarters of SPND (the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research), which Israel has long accused of overseeing Iran’s controversial nuclear weapons development.
In response to the airstrikes, Iran launched several drones and over 10 ballistic missiles toward Israel overnight. None of which made contact as they were intercepted. Air raid sirens were activated just in time in multiple cities, so no casualties were reported in this latest wave.
The Israeli Prime Minister has made it clear that there is only one favorable result and aim for them, which is “the downfall of the [Iranian] regime.” He added, “We are going to remove them.” He encouraged the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow their government. He added, “But it’s up to the Iranian people to rise for their freedom. Freedom is never cheap. It’s never free. Freedom requires these subjugated people to rise up, and it’s up to them. But we may create conditions that will help them do it.”
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has since responded, saying, “in the current situation, as the Zionist regime’s attacks continue, we are not seeking negotiations with anyone”. With both sides unwilling to de-escalate and the death toll climbing, the conflict is showing no signs of slowing. Reuters and The Wall Street Journal report that at least 639 people have been killed in Iran, including 263 civilians, and over 1,300 injured. Meanwhile, CBS last reported that 24 have died in Israel, with hundreds wounded.
Other nations have been actively involved in efforts to de-escalate the war since June 13, when the first strikes were launched. A major voice in these efforts has been the United States, which has played a significant behind-the-scenes role in trying to revive nuclear negotiations—talks that were already underway before the outbreak of violence.
As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, together with the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany, are set to meet on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Geneva. The goal is to explore pathways to diplomacy and avoid further escalation, but it is unclear whether this would mean a formal ceasefire or opening the door for renewed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. As the conflict enters its second week, what remains certain is the growing urgency felt by the international community.
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