Israeli airstrikes target key Iranian facilities amid escalating missile threats from Tehran.
Israeli military operations have intensified following recent airstrikes that reportedly caused significant damage to Iran's main uranium enrichment plant, the Natanz facility, as well as targeting offices of the Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.
This escalation comes amid a pronounced warning from Iran regarding its intentions for a 'largest and most intense' missile attack to date in retaliation for ongoing hostilities.
Reports indicate that nearly all of the 15,000 centrifuges at the Natanz facility were either damaged or destroyed following an Israeli strike that resulted in a significant power outage, as assessed by Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
In addition to the Natanz facility, Israeli operations also targeted two other uranium enrichment plants and Iranian F-14 fighter planes at Tehran’s airport.
In response to the offensive, Iranian officials have called for U.S. intervention, urging American President
Donald Trump to influence Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toward an immediate ceasefire.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that the consequences of the ongoing war necessitate diplomatic actions that involve pressure on Israel to halt its military aggressions.
Iran has indicated that it reached out to neighboring countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to act as mediators with the U.S. in this regard.
Iranian officials suggested that a reciprocal flexibility regarding nuclear negotiations could follow a cessation of strikes against their territory.
The airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Iran reporting over 224 deaths, predominantly among civilians, and approximately 24 fatalities in Israel due to missile strikes from Iranian territory.
Eyewitness accounts from Iranian cities detail the harrowing conditions faced by residents, including widespread damage and fear triggered by air defense alarms and attacks.
Images broadcast by Iranian state media depicted scenes of destruction in Tehran, where many residents have attempted to evacuate, facing shortages of fuel and cash.
Meanwhile, in Israel, civilian life has been similarly disrupted, with numerous broadcasts showing emergency responses to damage inflicted by incoming missile strikes, including instances of direct impacts on residential areas.
As tensions escalate, both nations are experiencing heightened civilian casualties and significant destruction of infrastructure, raising concerns of further violent exchanges.
The conflict represents a continuation of a broader pattern of military engagement and strategic confrontations that have marked activities between Iran and Israel over recent years.