The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified, with both countries exchanging strikes and causing significant damage and loss of life. According to reports, Israeli forces have bombed civilian and energy infrastructure across Iran, igniting a fire at the Shahran oil facility in Tehran. The Israeli military claims to have targeted sites “related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons project”.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Tehran does not seek to expand its conflict with Israel to neighboring countries unless forced to, describing Iran’s military response as defensive.
Araghchi emphasized Iran’s opposition to nuclear weapons while defending its right to peaceful nuclear development. He accused Israel of trying to derail diplomatic progress with Washington, saying, “We had been ready to offer assurances in the now-cancelled sixth round of US talks, which could have led to an agreement.” The Iranian government has also claimed that the US bears responsibility for Israel’s aggression, citing “solid evidence” of American support. Araghchi urged the US government to clearly condemn the attack on nuclear facilities, emphasizing that such actions are condemned under international law.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with reports indicating that at least 80 people have been killed and 800 wounded in Iran over the past two days, including 20 children. In Israel, at least 10 people were killed and dozens wounded in Iranian attacks on central and northern Israel. The UK has advised citizens to avoid “all travel” to Israel, citing significant risks and the potential for further deterioration.
International leaders are calling for restraint amid fears of a wider conflagration. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the Iranian nuclear program as an “existential threat for the security of Israel and beyond the security of Europe”. He emphasized that diplomacy remains the best way to prevent this threat. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said have also agreed that the conflict should not escalate, expressing willingness to help end it through diplomatic means.
The conflict has significant implications for global energy markets, with Israel’s attacks on Iran’s oil and gas facilities poised to disrupt supplies and potentially shake up global fuel prices. The situation remains volatile, with both sides indicating that further strikes are likely. As the international community watches closely, the prospect of a wider conflict continues to loom large.