Israel and Iran exchange attacks, reactions to escalation

TEL AVIV / TEHRAN — For the second consecutive day, Israel and Iran continued to trade airstrikes and missile attacks, following a preemptive Israeli strike targeting Iranian nuclear sites, senior military figures, and scientists. 

Iran’s armed forces declared that their response would know no boundaries and warned that any regional base supporting Israel could become a target.  

Iranian media reported a new wave of missile attacks, while air raid sirens sounded across Israel, prompting residents to take shelter. Israeli officials confirmed that the Iranian strikes killed three civilians and injured 80 others. 

In response to the escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Tehran to negotiate a nuclear agreement before facing further “brutal” Israeli attacks. 

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France would defend Israel if it came under Iranian attack but ruled out participation in offensive Israeli operations. Macron reaffirmed France’s “absolute and unconditional” support for Israel and voiced concern over intelligence suggesting Iran’s nuclear program is nearing a critical stage. 

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with the U.S. President, stressing the need to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Iran. He acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Vadifol emphasized that rising tensions benefit no one and called for all parties to return to the negotiating table. 

At the United Nations, China’s envoy condemned what he described as Israel’s violations of Iran’s sovereignty, urging an immediate halt to all military actions. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Putin condemned the Israeli strikes and offered to mediate between the two sides.