Israel’s offensive against Iran escalated for a second day, with Netanyahu vowing to intensify strikes, while Iran halted nuclear talks amidst heavy casualties. Iranian reports cite significant loss of life due to retaliatory attacks, and fears of a wider conflict grow as both nations prepare for further escalations in military action.
Israel continued its assault on Iran for the second day on Saturday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that military action would escalate further. Meanwhile, Iran decided to discontinue nuclear negotiations, which the U.S. had previously suggested might be the key to stopping Israeli bombings. In a notable shift, Israel struck at Iran’s oil and gas industry, reportedly igniting a blaze at a gas field, marking the first time energy infrastructure was directly attacked.
Following a surprise strike that decimated Iran’s military leadership, Netanyahu claimed that the airstrikes had significantly delayed Iran’s nuclear ambitions by potentially years. He dismissed calls for restraint from the international community, asserting, “We will hit every site and every target of the Ayatollahs’ regime, and what they have felt so far is nothing compared with what they will be handed in the coming days.”
In response, Iran reported heavy casualties, stating that around 60 individuals, including 29 children, died in a missile strike on a residential complex. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have attacked over 150 targets across the country. On Friday night, Iran retaliated with its own missile strikes, resulting in at least three fatalities in Israel as air raid sirens echoed through the nation, prompting citizens to take shelter.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the Israeli actions, cautioning Iran of even harsher consequences, while suggesting that Tehran might still have a chance to scale back its nuclear program during negotiations that were originally scheduled for Sunday. Oman confirmed on Saturday that those discussions would not proceed, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi deemed conversations unjustifiable amid ongoing attacks.
On the ground, the impact of the Israeli airstrikes has extended to Iran’s energy sector, with reports of a significant fire resulting from bombings on the South Pars gas field. This development, amid fears of further disruptions, had already caused crude oil prices to rise by about 7 percent as of Friday. Iranian military leadership is now reconsidering closing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for oil tankers entering the Gulf.
Israeli officials, declaring their operations could last for weeks, are now encouraging the Iranian population to rise against their government. However, Israel’s Defense Minister warned that continued missile attacks from Iran would lead to severe consequences for Tehran. Iran, on the other hand, has cautioned that military bases linked to Israeli allies could also be targeted as retaliation.
The conflict’s intensity has created a palpable sense of fear within both countries. Reports indicated that Iran’s missile barrage, including hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones, caused considerable panic in Israel, with officials confirming three people were killed and 174 others were injured from a series of strikes affecting areas like Tel Aviv.
In Israel, residents spent the night in shelters, uncertain of what the next day would bring. Canadian-Israeli resident Jordan Falkenstein remarked on the weekend’s atmosphere of apprehension, saying, “You can see that people have a sense of precaution this weekend. We’re not sure. We’re still trying to anticipate what will happen this evening. It’s better to play it safe.”
Israel’s offensive has resulted in extensive damage and casualties in Iran, with reports attributing at least 78 deaths on the first day alone, including a significant tragedy where a missile strike demolished a high-rise apartment. Iranian citizen Mohsen Salehi described the chaos following an overnight strike, stating, “Smoke and dust were filling all the house and we couldn’t breathe.” Meanwhile, Israeli officials maintain that the bombings are aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, underscoring their serious concerns over Iranian efforts that could lead to nuclear weapon production.
As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, the situation remains volatile with significant military strikes affecting both nations. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has signaled that military actions will intensify, while Iran has vowed to retaliate vigorously. Meanwhile, the potential for broader regional conflict looms large as rhetoric and military actions continue. For now, the prospect of renewed diplomatic talks appears increasingly precarious, leaving a shadow of uncertainty hanging over the Middle East.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
