Israeli military conducts airstrikes on Iranian nuclear installations, one of the missiles unintentionally hits an Israeli hospital, causing casualties.
In a staggering turn of events, Israel hammered a crucial Iranian nuclear site on June 19, while Iranian missiles struck an Israeli hospital, as President Donald Trump kept everyone second-guessing if the US would join Israel in annihilating Iran's nuclear facilities.
Over the past week, Israel's relentless air and missile attacks have decimated the highest echelons of Iran's military command, dealt a blow to its nuclear capabilities, and left hundreds of Iranians dead. In response, Iranian counter-attacks have claimed at least two dozen Israeli civilian lives.
The Israeli military claimed victory over the Khondab nuclear reactor in Iran's Arak during overnight strikes, targeting its partially-built heavy-water research reactor. These types of reactors pose a significant nuclear proliferation risk because they effortlessly produce plutonium – a key ingredient in nuclear bombs.
Iranian media reported two projectiles impacting a region near the facility, previously evacuated, and no radiation threats were reported. The Israeli military also acknowledged hitting a site in the Natanz area, which contains components and specialized equipment used to advance Iranian nuclear weapons development.
On the morning of June 19, several Iranian missiles struck populated areas in Israel, including a hospital in the south, according to an Israeli military official. Over Tel Aviv, skies swarmed with missile trails and attempts at interception, with deafening explosions as incoming projectiles were neutralized. Multiple areas in Israel reported incidents, with some citizens trapped in buildings. At least five people were left seriously injured in these attacks, and dozens more were hurt in three distinct locations.
Images depicted buildings extensively damaged in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, with emergency workers aiding victims, including young children. The Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, in southern Israel, stated it had sustained damage in these strikes. Iran's Revolutionary Guard stated they targeted Israeli military and intelligence headquarters near the hospital.
This alarming escalation between the two Middle Eastern powers has stirred apprehensions about global powers getting pulled into the unfolding chaos, further destabilizing an already volatile region.
Trump danced around hinting whether the U.S. would join Israel's air campaign. "I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do," he told reporters. Later, Trump stated that Iranian officials expressed interest in meeting in Washington, to which he replied, "We may do that – it's a little late for those talks."
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized Trump's call for a surrender in a television address, his first in several days. "Any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly lead to irreparable damage," he stated emphatically. "The Iranian nation will not surrender."
Iran firmly defends its claim that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes and denies seeking nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Tehran breached its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades just last week.
Germany, France, and Britain intend to discuss nuclear talks with Iran on June 21, aiming to persuade Iran to return to the negotiating table.
Israel, off the books, is believed to be the only country in the Middle East to possess nuclear weapons. The nation neither confirms nor denies this fact.
Calls for DiplomacyTrump has wavered between advocating a swift diplomatic resolution to the conflict and suggesting that the U.S. might join the fray. A source close to internal discussions suggested that Trump and his team were contemplating options that included the U.S. joining Israel in strikes against Iranian nuclear installations.
However, the possibility of a U.S. strike on Iran has sparked controversy within the coalition that brought Trump to power, with some of his supporters urging him to avoid drawing the U.S. into another Middle East war.
Prominent U.S. Senate Democrats implored Trump to prioritize diplomacy, urging him to seek a binding agreement preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while expressing concerns about the current administration's approach.
"The president must consult Congress and seek authorization if he is considering taking the country to war," they stated. In flippant remarks on social media, Trump toyed with the idea of assassinating Iran's Supreme Leader.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, when asked about the possibility of Israel killing Iran's Supreme Leader with U.S. assistance, voiced his opposition. Putin emphasized the need to find ways to end hostilities while ensuring both Iran's right to peaceful nuclear power and Israel's right to the unconditional security of the Jewish state.
Since June 12, Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles at Israel, with around 40 breaking through Israel's defenses and killing 24 civilians. In contrast, Iranian casualties from Israeli attacks remain unspecified in recent days.
These events are rapidly unfolding, with authoritative updates essential for gaining a clearer picture of the situation. Meanwhile, both Israel and Iran appear determined to up the ante in this escalating conflict.
Politics and general news have been filled with updates on the war-and-conflicts between Israel and Iran, a volatile situation that has escalated significantly over the past week. Amidst this, there have been discussions within the US political circles about the potential involvement of the US in the conflict, with some urging diplomacy and others refraining from endorsing another Middle East war.
