Escalating Tensions: Iran and Israel Locked in Prolonged Conflict Over Nuclear Dispute

Amid a fierce exchange of missile attacks, Iran has declared it will not return to nuclear talks while under military assault. The announcement comes after Israel’s defense minister warned of a “prolonged campaign” against the Islamic Republic. The current military standoff has escalated sharply, with both nations trading deadly blows across their borders, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.

On Friday, Iran launched a new barrage of missiles targeting northern Israel, while Israeli forces retaliated by striking dozens of sites across Iranian territory. These include missile launch sites, weapons depots, and key military infrastructure. The Israeli military reported that 20 missiles were aimed at Haifa, resulting in one civilian death and raising the Israeli death toll to 25 since the conflict erupted.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks in Geneva with European diplomats, who urged a revival of diplomatic efforts with the United States. However, Araghchi made it clear that diplomacy could only resume after Israeli attacks cease. He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear activities are strictly peaceful and accused Israel of violating international law by targeting its facilities.

In a firm stance, Araghchi declared that Iran would continue to exercise its “legitimate right of self-defense” and stressed that its defense capabilities are “non-negotiable.” This comes in response to Israel’s ambassador to the UN accusing Iran of pursuing a “genocidal agenda” and vowing to continue targeting Iranian nuclear facilities until they are completely dismantled.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern ultimatum to Iran, giving it a maximum of two weeks to avert potential American airstrikes. He suggested he might act even sooner, stating that the goal is to "see whether or not people come to their senses." Trump dismissed the European-led diplomatic talks, asserting that Iran prefers direct engagement with the U.S. rather than Europe.

European leaders expressed grave concern over the escalating violence. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation as "perilous and deadly serious" and emphasized that Washington's short deadline for de-escalation must be taken seriously. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned against seeking regime change in Iran and insisted that diplomacy remains the only viable path forward.

As the Geneva discussions continued, so did the violence. Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes, which have reportedly killed senior military figures and nuclear scientists. Iran’s health ministry reported at least 224 fatalities, though a human rights organization estimated the death toll had reached 639. With no signs of de-escalation, the international community watches anxiously as two regional powers edge dangerously closer to all-out war.