Iran strikes Israel amid escalating regional conflict and diplomatic tensions

Iran strikes Israel amid escalating regional conflict and diplomatic tensions
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Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles at Israel on Thursday, with one strike causing extensive damage to Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel, according to Israeli officials. Iran said the intended target was a nearby military-linked technology park, though Israeli sources denied this, labeling the hospital strike a war crime. According to news reports, dozens were injured in the attack, including patients hurt by broken glass, but no deaths were reported.

The cross-border escalation follows Israel’s airstrike on Iran’s inactive Arak nuclear facility last week, part of its broader campaign against Iran’s military infrastructure. Although Israel initially claimed to have hit the operational Bushehr nuclear plant, an Israeli military official later retracted that statement, citing uncertainty. Russian officials condemned any potential attack on Bushehr, warning of a disaster comparable to Chernobyl.

The current conflict was triggered by Israel’s strikes on Iranian military targets in mid-June, aimed at disrupting what it alleges are efforts by Iran to develop nuclear weapons. According to Iran’s Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks have killed at least 585 people and injured over 1,300 since they began.

Israel has since vowed to intensify its military campaign, with Defense Minister Israel Katz stating that strategic targets inside Iran will be further attacked in response to what he called “deliberate attacks” on civilian infrastructure. Internet access in Iran has significantly declined, dropping to just 3% of normal activity, according to NetBlocks, due to state-imposed restrictions citing national security concerns.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet with officials from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU’s foreign policy chief in Geneva on Friday, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The meeting comes at the request of European governments aiming to de-escalate the crisis.

Meanwhile, China and Russia have condemned Israel’s actions and called for an immediate ceasefire. Both nations support mediation efforts and oppose military solutions to the nuclear dispute, according to official statements reported by Reuters and CNN. The U.S. has not yet decided on military involvement, though President Donald Trump has said his patience with Tehran is wearing thin.