Tensions between Israel and Iran exploded into one of the most dangerous escalations in recent history as both countries traded deadly strikes over the weekend. Over 60 people were killed in Iran as Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, an air offensive targeting nuclear and military infrastructure. Iran retaliated with missile barrages, halted nuclear talks with the US, and also warned of targeting foreign bases aiding Israel’s defence.
Here are 10 key developments:
1. Tehran Residential Tower Hit: 60 Killed, 29 Children Among Dead
Iranian officials reported that an Israeli missile levelled a 14-storey housing complex in central Tehran, killing at least 60 people, including 29 children. Visuals aired on state TV showed upper floors pancaked into rubble as rescue workers pulled out bodies. This was one of the deadliest Israeli strikes on Iranian soil to date.
2. Israel Targets 150+ Iranian Sites in Largest Air Offensive Yet
Israel said its fighter jets struck more than 150 targets inside Iran, including nuclear facilities in Natanz and Isfahan. The strikes killed several senior Iranian military commanders and nine nuclear scientists. Israeli military sources described the assault as a “crippling blow” to Iran’s nuclear command structure.
3. Netanyahu: ‘They’ve Felt Nothing Yet, Jets Will Be Over Tehran’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel’s offensive was only beginning, saying Iran’s nuclear programme was “in the 90th minute.” He added, “What they have felt so far is nothing compared with what they will be handed in the coming days.”
4. Iran Retaliates With 200 Missiles and Drones, 4 Killed in Israel
In response, Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles and drones in four waves. While most were intercepted, many with US support, at least four people died in the Galilee region after a projectile struck an apartment building. Dozens more were injured across northern Israel.
5. Iran Halts US Nuclear Talks, Says Washington ‘Complicit’
Iran formally cancelled its scheduled nuclear negotiations with the US. “Continuing dialogue under these conditions is meaningless,” said a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry. Oman, the mediator, confirmed the talks were off the table.
6. Israel Threatens Full-Scale Assault: ‘Tehran Will Burn’
Defence Minister Israel Katz escalated rhetoric, warning Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, “If missiles keep falling on Israel’s home front, Tehran will burn.” Netanyahu doubled down on striking “every target of the Ayatollahs’ regime.”
7. Iran Warns Foreign Military Bases Could Become Targets
Tehran threatened that any foreign base intercepting its missiles, particularly those belonging to Israeli allies, would be considered a legitimate military target.
8. Erdogan Accuses Israel of Fueling War to Distract From Gaza
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Netanyahu of “sabotaging nuclear talks” and trying to “drag the region into fire” to deflect from what he called genocide in Gaza. He warned of mass displacement across West Asia if the conflict escalated further.
9. India Urges Restraint at SCO Summit, Skips Condemnation of Israel
At the SCO summit, India did not endorse a China-led condemnation of Israeli strikes, instead calling for “dialogue and diplomacy” to prevent further escalation.
10. Croatian Diplomat Injured in Tel Aviv as Missiles Hit Civilian Areas
Croatia’s consul and his wife sustained minor injuries when a missile struck their Tel Aviv residence. Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman condemned the targeting of diplomatic property and civilians, urging immediate de-escalation.
