Jerusalem: The conflict between Israel and Iran showed no signs of easing on Friday as missile attacks continued and US President Donald Trump issued a two-week deadline for diplomacy before considering a military strike on Iran. With each passing day, new explosions rock major cities, nuclear and civilian infrastructure is targeted, and global leaders scramble for a diplomatic breakthrough while the region edges closer to full-scale war.
In his latest remarks, Trump warned that if Iran does not soften its stance and abandon its uranium enrichment program, the United States may resort to military action. According to US officials, the president and his advisers hope Tehran will agree to terms it had previously rejected, including scaling back its nuclear ambitions. However, sources familiar with Iran’s position say Tehran is refusing to engage in further dialogue unless Israel ends its ongoing airstrikes—something Washington has yet to pressure Israel to do.
On the ground, the violence continues to intensify. In Beer Sheva, Israeli emergency services responded to fires ignited by Iranian missile strikes near a high-tech park that houses a Microsoft office. A day earlier, a major hospital in the city had sustained significant damage. Beer Sheva, located in the Negev Desert, is also home to the Nevatim Airbase, a key Israeli military installation that may have been among the intended targets of the Iranian barrage.
Meanwhile, Israel's military launched a wave of strikes on Iran overnight, targeting multiple locations across Tehran. Senior International Correspondent Fred Pleitgen reported heightened aerial activity over the capital as Israeli fighter jets reportedly hit missile production sites, a nuclear research facility, and the headquarters of Iran’s SPND defense development agency. The strikes underscore Israel’s intent to degrade Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, despite growing international calls for restraint.
The diplomatic front is showing cautious signs of movement. A high-stakes meeting is set to take place in Geneva, bringing together foreign ministers from France, Germany, and the EU alongside Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy said a “window now exists” to end the crisis, though it remains unclear whether either Iran or Israel is ready to pause hostilities in favor of dialogue.
