Iran and Israel Engage in Fresh Assaults, with Tehran Refusing to Negotiate Nuclear Program Amidst Threats | Israel

Iran and Israel exchanged strikes early on Saturday, intensifying tensions amid Iran’s refusal to negotiate over its nuclear program while under threat. Israel claims its attacks have delayed Iran’s potential to develop a nuclear weapon by several years. Shortly after 2:30 AM, the Israeli military warned of an incoming missile barrage from Iran, triggering air raid sirens in central Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Interceptions were visible in the sky over Tel Aviv, with no immediate reports of casualties. Simultaneously, Israel launched a new wave of attacks against missile storage and launch infrastructure sites in Iran. The conflict began when Israel struck Iran with hundreds of airstrikes last Friday, aiming to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles and drones, leading to a cycle of retaliatory bombing between the two nations. Israeli bombing has caused significant casualties and damages in Iran, while Iranian missiles have also inflicted casualties and injuries in Israel. Israeli military chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir said Israelis must prepare for “difficult days” ahead and that freedom to operate will continue to narrow for the enemy. The Israeli foreign minister stated that the strikes on Iran have delayed its potential to develop a nuclear weapon by at least two or three years. Iran’s foreign minister emphasized Iran’s determination to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty but stated that diplomacy with the US is only possible if Israel halts its bombardment. US President Donald Trump indicated that he may take up to two weeks to decide whether the US should enter the conflict on Israel’s side and expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of European efforts to secure a ceasefire. He also contested previous intelligence assessments suggesting that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon, siding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/21/israel-and-iran-launch-new-attacks-as-tehran-says-it-will-not-negotiate-nuclear-programme-while-under-threat