A week into the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, hostilities escalated with direct strikes exchanged on Friday, as US President Donald Trump deliberated on potential military intervention. Trump’s consideration includes an attack on Iran’s fortified Fordo uranium enrichment facility, which is seen as nearly impenetrable without advanced weaponry. He has indicated that a decision regarding US military involvement will be made within two weeks, citing a “substantial chance” for renewed negotiations concerning Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, was reportedly in transit to Geneva for discussions with top EU officials and representatives from the UK, France, and Germany. However, he stated that Iran would not engage in negotiations while Israeli attacks persisted, signalling significant diplomatic hurdles ahead. He accused the US of complicity with Israel, emphasising that any dialogue is off the table given the ongoing “aggression”.
In the backdrop of this tension, Britain’s foreign secretary held talks at the White House concerning a possible diplomatic resolution aimed at quelling the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron also indicated that European diplomats are preparing a negotiation offer focused on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, asserting that military operations alone cannot sufficiently address the perceived threats.
Israel, for its part, has conducted extensive airstrikes targeting Iranian industrial and military sites, including missile manufacturing facilities and key organisations linked to Iran’s missile development. These strikes were said to involve over 60 aircraft and had extended to various geographic locations within Iran, including cities such as Kermanshah, Tabriz, and Rasht. As a consequence, Israel reported damage from Iranian missiles, which struck residential areas, resulting in injuries and further destruction, including an incident at a hospital in Beersheba.
Ultimately, the conflict, which erupted on June 13, has been devastating, with reports indicating over 657 fatalities in Iran, including many civilians. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel, leading to casualties on both sides. Despite claims of peaceful intentions for its nuclear programme, Iran has enriched uranium at levels alarmingly close to that required for nuclear weapons, while Israel is widely regarded as possessing a nuclear arsenal, though it has not confirmed this officially.
This ongoing clash highlights the complexity of international relations in the region, with the potential for broader conflict as major powers navigate their interests amidst escalating military actions and diplomatic efforts.