Jerusalem: Iran launched a new wave of missile attacks on Israel early Monday, triggering air raid sirens across the country as emergency services reported projectiles striking and shrapnel falling in Israel's north and center, wounding at least 67. Iran signaled that it had no intention of yielding to international calls for de-escalation.
According to France24.com, Israel and Iran continued to exchange strikes on Sunday, marking the third consecutive day of conflict, as US-Iran nuclear talks scheduled in Oman were called off. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed concerns over Iran's nuclear program, labeling it an "existential" threat to the security of both Israel and Europe, and emphasized the need for diplomacy to end the conflict.
The escalation began when Iran launched waves of drones and ballistic missiles from Saturday into Sunday, illuminating the night skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. This was in response to Israel's unprecedented attack on Iran's nuclear sites and top military commanders on Friday. Despite international pressure, Iran remains defiant, with its foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, stating that negotiation was unjustifiable amidst ongoing "barbarous" Israeli attacks.
Israeli military operations continued on Saturday, with strikes reported at a gas field and an underground missile facility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu committed to targeting every aspect of the Iranian regime. Concurrently, the latest round of US-Iran talks over Iran's uranium enrichment program, scheduled for Sunday, were canceled.
As global leaders voiced their support for Israel, Iran threatened to target US, French, and British bases should those nations assist Israel in defending against Iranian strikes. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with eight people killed and over 130 injured in Israel due to Iranian attacks. In Iran, Israeli strikes have killed at least 78 people and wounded more than 320, including 60 people, among them 20 children, who perished in a strike on a Tehran housing complex.