Israel’s chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, warned both civilians and soldiers that the conflict with Iran is ongoing. In a video address, he stressed the need for readiness for a long campaign, eight days after Israel began striking Iranian targets. Despite noting major successes, Zamir highlighted that challenging times are ahead as Israel aims to stop Tehran’s suspected nuclear weapons plans.
Iran’s Retaliation: Missiles over Major Cities
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched numerous ballistic missiles and drones at Israel on Friday, aiming at military sites and cities. Alarms sounded in Tel Aviv and Haifa, with over 25 Israelis killed and many injured. In Haifa, a mosque was hit, heightening public fear, as reported by President Isaac Herzog’s office.
Casualty Toll Mounts on Both Sides
Since June 13, Tehran’s health ministry reports 224 Iranians dead, including top commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Meanwhile, in Israel, Haifa hospitals saw a spike in admissions after recent missile attacks, treating at least 19 people for injuries like shrapnel wounds and shock.
Strategic Strikes and Counter-Strikes
Israel’s air force is striking sites in southwest Iran, targeting what it calls “nuclear weapons project” locations, missile launch sites, and research centers. The military claims these attacks will delay Iran’s uranium enrichment for a few months. However, experts argue that Iran’s dispersed and fortified sites, especially the underground Fordow facility, are mostly unaffected.
Diplomatic Overtures Amid Escalation
European powers are striving to prevent a regional war. On Friday, senior diplomats from Britain, France, and Germany met in Vienna with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. French President Emmanuel Macron encouraged Tehran to engage in talks, proposing a diplomatic solution. However, Araghchi insisted that negotiations cannot occur while Israeli strikes persist, accusing Jerusalem of undermining trust during nuclear discussions.
United States Considers Its Role
President Trump, firmly against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, announced a decision on military intervention within two weeks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed the importance of diplomacy, insisting Iran must not acquire a nuclear bomb. However, intelligence reports indicate Iran is still three years away from a functional warhead, prompting debate on the necessity of immediate military action.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation at the Forefront
Iran is enriching uranium to 60 percent, close to weapons-grade, but there’s no proof of warhead assembly, says the IAEA. Director Rafael Grossi warns against jumping to conclusions, emphasizing the need for decisions based on verified facts.
Regional and Global Reactions
Turkey’s President Erdoğan declared the conflict has hit a critical point, urging an immediate ceasefire. U.N. Secretary-General Guterres called for peace, as the U.N. Security Council convened at Iran’s request, supported by Russia, China, and Pakistan, to tackle the hostilities.
Civilian Impact and Preparations
In Iranian cities, people endure food and fuel shortages while hiding from air raid sirens. The government has restricted internet access due to cyberattack fears and detained suspected foreign spies mapping sensitive locations. In Israel, bomb shelters and warning systems are routine, with schools and businesses adapting to possible missile alerts.
What Lies Ahead?
Military experts suggest that if the U.S. gets more involved, it would target Fordow, a heavily fortified enrichment site, using special bunker-busting weapons that Israel doesn’t have. Studies from the American Defense Threat Reduction Agency indicate that several strikes and possibly unconventional methods would be needed to disable the site. Without a diplomatic solution or a clear military victory, both parties could be stuck in a prolonged conflict, challenging their determination, resources, and regional stability for months.
READ MORE: Trump Weighs Iran Strike Only If “Bunker Buster” Guaranteed to Destroy Fordow
