Israel and Iran launch new strikes even as diplomatic effort gets underway
Share this @internewscast.com

Israel and Iran traded strikes one week into their conflict on Friday as President Donald Trump considered the possibility of U.S. military intervention, with signs of new diplomatic endeavors emerging.

Trump is contemplating a military strike on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo uranium enrichment site, hidden beneath a mountain and believed to be accessible only by America’s “bunker-buster” bombs. He mentioned that a decision would be reached within two weeks about whether the U.S. military will engage directly in the conflict, especially given the “substantial chance” for renewed discussions about Tehran’s nuclear agenda.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi seemed to be heading toward Geneva for discussions with the European Union’s chief diplomat and representatives from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Flight data from FlightRadar24 indicated that a plane bearing his typical call sign departed from Van, a Turkish city near the Iranian frontier. Iran usually confirms his departure several hours later.

Britain’s foreign secretary said he met at the White House with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the potential for a deal that could cool the conflict.

Before his flight, Araghchi said on Iranian state television that his country was “not seeking negotiations with anyone” as long as Israel’s attacks continued, underscoring the diplomatic challenges ahead. He also accused the U.S. of collaborating with Israel, noting that Trump regularly used “we” in social media posts and interviews talking about the attacks on Iran.

“It is the Americans who want talks,” he said in comments Thursday that were broadcast Friday. “They’ve sent messages several times – very serious ones – but we made it explicitly clear to them that as long as this aggression and invasion continue, there is absolutely no room for talk or diplomacy. We are engaged in legitimate self-defense, and this defense will not stop under any circumstances.”

He added that he expected the Switzerland talks to focus only on Iran’s nuclear program, and that Iran’s missile capabilities were “for defending the country” and not up for discussion.

Israel says air campaign will target more sites
Israel said it conducted airstrikes into Friday morning in Iran with more than 60 aircraft hitting what it said were industrial sites to manufacture missiles. It did not elaborate on the locations. It also said it hit the headquarters of Iran’s Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, known by its acronym in Farsi, SPND. The U.S. in the past has linked that agency to alleged Iranian research and testing tied to the possible development of nuclear explosive devices.

It also carried out airstrikes targeting the areas around Kermanshah and Tabriz in western Iran, where the military said 25 fighter jets struck “missile storage and launch infrastructure components” Friday morning. There had been reports of anti-aircraft fire in the areas.

Iran did not immediately acknowledge the losses, and has not discussed the damage done so far to its military in the weeklong war.

“We are strengthening our air control in the region and advancing our air offensive,” Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told reporters.

“We have more sites to strike in Tehran, western Iran and other places.”

Israeli airstrikes also reached into the city of Rasht on the Caspian Sea early Friday, Iranian media reported. The Israeli military had warned the public to flee the area around Rasht’s Industrial City, southwest of the city’s downtown. But with Iran’s internet shut off to the outside world, it’s unclear just how many people could see the message.

Damage from missiles in southern Israel
In Israel, the paramedic service Magen David Adom said Iranian missiles struck a residential area in southern Israel causing damage to buildings, including one six-story building. They have provided medical treatment to five people with minor injuries such as bruises, smoke inhalation, and anxiety, it said.

This comes a day after at least 80 patients and medical workers were wounded in a strike on the Soroka Medical Center in the southern city of Beersheba.

On Thursday, Israel’s defense minister threatened Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the Iranian missile crashed into the hospital. Israel’s military “has been instructed and knows that in order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he trusted that Trump would “do what’s best for America.” Speaking from the rubble and shattered glass around the hospital, he added: “I can tell you that they’re already helping a lot.”

The war between Israel and Iran erupted June 13, with Israeli airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals and nuclear scientists. At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, have been killed in Iran and more than 2,000 wounded, according to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group.

Iran has retaliated by firing 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel, according to Israeli army estimates. Most have been shot down by Israel’s multitiered air defenses, but at least 24 people in Israel have been killed and hundreds wounded.

Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. But it is the only non-nuclear-weapon state to enrich uranium up to 60%, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%.

Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with a nuclear weapons program but has never acknowledged it.

The Israeli air campaign has targeted Iran’s enrichment site at Natanz, centrifuge workshops around Tehran, a nuclear site in Isfahan and what the army assesses to be most of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers. The destruction of those launchers has contributed to the steady decline in Iranian attacks since the start of the conflict.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Downers Grove mother says son, student at Miami University, had over $4K frozen in Chase account for nearly 1 year

Chase Bank Freeze: Downers Grove Mom’s Battle to Recover Son’s $4K at Miami University

A troubling scenario has unfolded in Downers Grove, Illinois, where a local…
Curses, Foiled Again: The FBI Thwarts a Potential Terror Plot Directed at a Texas Synagogue

FBI Successfully Intercepts Planned Terror Attack on Texas Synagogue

On Thursday, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the collaborative efforts of the…
Denmark train collision injures 18 people

Train Accident in Denmark Leaves 18 Injured

COPENHAGEN — A head-on collision involving two local trains occurred north of…
Oklahoma tornado barrels through Enid, damaging homes and shutting down roads

Tornado Strikes Enid, Oklahoma: Homes Damaged and Roads Closed

On Thursday, a devastating tornado tore through Oklahoma, ripping the roofs off…
Former North Carolina police officer arrested for allegedly planning mass shooting at New Orleans festival

Ex-North Carolina Police Officer Detained for Suspected Plot to Stage Mass Shooting at New Orleans Festival

A former police officer from North Carolina has been apprehended in Florida…
California man accused of killing ex-wife and new boyfriend makes bold move in chilling  body-cam video

Chilling Body-Cam Footage Reveals California Man’s Shocking Move in Ex-Wife and Boyfriend Murder Case

Footage from a body camera reveals the subdued arrest of a 43-year-old…
Gunman arrested more than 30 years after shooting bound couple in front of their 3-year-old son in NYC apartment: feds

Decades-Old NYC Cold Case Solved: Gunman Arrested for 1980s Double Shooting in Front of Child

After more than three decades, justice has caught up with the gunman…
Award-winning university chef allegedly beat his wife to death at campus hotel: officials

University Chef Accused of Wife’s Fatal Assault at Campus Hotel, Authorities Report

A chef employed by the University of Massachusetts Amherst is facing charges…
Hugh Jackman takes on new role for innovative charity

Hugh Jackman Joins Groundbreaking Charity Initiative in Exciting New Role

Hugh Jackman, renowned for his leading roles in blockbuster films such as…
Iran has 'open window' to negotiate, but 'clock is not on their side,' Pete Hegseth says

Pete Hegseth: Iran Faces Time-Sensitive Opportunity for Diplomatic Negotiations

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recently addressed the potential for negotiations with…
NYC teen near $100K goal to bring free swim lessons to hundreds of New York kids: 'Life-saving skill'

New York Teen Approaches $100K Target to Provide Free Swimming Lessons to Hundreds of Local Children, Highlighting a ‘Life-Saving Skill

A young swimming enthusiast is making a significant splash in the city.…
Odds for California governor sway massively after snorefest debate

California Governor Race Heats Up as Debate Shifts Betting Odds Dramatically

Last night’s gubernatorial debate in California appears to have shifted the momentum…