TEHRAN — A fresh round of missile attacks from Iran struck residential areas in Israel on Saturday, injuring several civilians. In response, Israel launched renewed strikes, claiming it was targeting military infrastructure in Tehran.
The latest hostilities follow a strong warning from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who pledged to strike “every target of the ayatollah regime.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian fired back, vowing that continued aggression would lead to “a more severe and powerful response.”
Amid rising international pressure for de-escalation, Iran called off a planned nuclear negotiation with the United States set for Sunday. Iranian officials stated that meaningful talks couldn’t take place while their country was under Israeli attack.
Escalation on Both Sides
Israel’s military campaign, which began early Friday, targeted Iranian air defense systems and struck vital nuclear and military facilities. According to Iranian officials, dozens of individuals were killed in the attacks, including senior military officers and nuclear scientists.
By Saturday evening, Israel confirmed it was defending against another wave of Iranian missiles while simultaneously carrying out new air raids on “military targets in Tehran.” Iranian media outlet Tasnim reported that one Israeli missile hit a building belonging to the country’s defense ministry in the capital, though the ministry has yet to issue a statement.
Iran also confirmed that it launched a fresh round of retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets.
Civilian Casualties and Infrastructure Damage
Israeli emergency services reported that one of Iran’s missiles hit a house in Haifa, injuring 14 people—one of whom is in critical condition.
Meanwhile, Iran’s oil ministry said two of its fuel depots—one in Shahran (northwest Tehran) and another south of the city—were damaged in Israeli airstrikes. An AFP journalist confirmed the Shahran depot was in flames.
Rising Death Toll and Continued Threats
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations reported that Friday’s initial wave of Israeli airstrikes left 78 people dead and 320 wounded. On the Israeli side, officials said three people were killed and 76 injured by Iran’s drone and missile barrage the night before.
Netanyahu doubled down on his rhetoric, saying in a video message: “We will hit every site, every target of the ayatollah regime.” He claimed the strikes dealt a “real blow” to Iran’s nuclear capabilities and emphasized Israel’s “clear support” from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump, in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly agreed that the conflict should come to an end.
Iran Criticizes U.S. and Cancels Talks
President Pezeshkian criticized what he called Washington’s duplicity, accusing the U.S. of backing Israel’s attacks while participating in nuclear negotiations. As a result, Oman—who was mediating—announced the Sunday talks were cancelled.
Iran’s Foreign Minister and lead nuclear negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, said Israel’s actions jeopardize diplomatic efforts and warned they were dragging the Middle East into a “dangerous cycle of violence.”
Although Western nations have long accused Iran of trying to build nuclear weapons, Tehran continues to deny the allegation.
