June 14, 2025, 3:03 p.m. ET
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel launched an extended series of airstrikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, marking a significant shift in the recent conflict between the two nations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to continue its military actions “as long as it takes” to counter Iranian aggression. In response, Iran retaliated with missile strikes aimed at Israeli military installations.
The latest round of attacks commenced early Friday with Israel focusing on key nuclear facilities, military bases, and air defense systems in Iran. However, the scope of the Israeli offensive broadened significantly by Saturday, now including critical oil and gas facilities essential to Iran's economic stability. Reports indicate that Israeli strikes have resulted in over 70 fatalities, primarily among Iranian military leaders and scientists involved in the nuclear program. Iran’s principal nuclear site in Natanz has also reportedly sustained serious damage.
On the Iranian side, the response included waves of ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israeli targets, though with limited effectiveness. Casualties reported in Israel from Iranian missile strikes stand at three dead and numerous injured. This ongoing clash, described as the most severe in decades, has triggered widespread concern regarding a potential escalation that might draw the United States and other allies into the conflict.
Moreover, this escalation has derailed critical diplomatic negotiations intended to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions. Talks that were set to occur in Oman have been canceled amid the renewed violence, with Iranian officials blaming Israel for the breakdown and accusing the United States of complicity in the attacks. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated that discussions would remain on hold until Israeli operations cease.
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel launched an extended series of airstrikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, marking a significant shift in the recent conflict between the two nations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to continue its military actions “as long as it takes” to counter Iranian aggression. In response, Iran retaliated with missile strikes aimed at Israeli military installations.
The latest round of attacks commenced early Friday with Israel focusing on key nuclear facilities, military bases, and air defense systems in Iran. However, the scope of the Israeli offensive broadened significantly by Saturday, now including critical oil and gas facilities essential to Iran's economic stability. Reports indicate that Israeli strikes have resulted in over 70 fatalities, primarily among Iranian military leaders and scientists involved in the nuclear program. Iran’s principal nuclear site in Natanz has also reportedly sustained serious damage.
On the Iranian side, the response included waves of ballistic missiles and drone attacks on Israeli targets, though with limited effectiveness. Casualties reported in Israel from Iranian missile strikes stand at three dead and numerous injured. This ongoing clash, described as the most severe in decades, has triggered widespread concern regarding a potential escalation that might draw the United States and other allies into the conflict.
Moreover, this escalation has derailed critical diplomatic negotiations intended to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions. Talks that were set to occur in Oman have been canceled amid the renewed violence, with Iranian officials blaming Israel for the breakdown and accusing the United States of complicity in the attacks. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated that discussions would remain on hold until Israeli operations cease.
