Iran and Israel Trade Fresh Strikes Amid Collapse of Nuclear Talks

 Tensions in the Middle East escalated further on Saturday as Iran and Israel launched renewed attacks against each other, shortly after Tehran ruled out the possibility of returning to nuclear negotiations.

In the early hours of the morning, multiple Iranian missiles were fired toward central Israel, setting off air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and parts of the occupied West Bank. While Israeli air defence systems successfully intercepted most of the missiles, fragments from at least one destroyed projectile struck a residential building, causing damage but no immediate casualties were reported.

In retaliation, Israel carried out a wave of airstrikes targeting military facilities across Iran, specifically focusing on missile storage and launch sites. The Israeli military also confirmed the assassination of two high-ranking members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force. Saeed Izadi, known for his support of Hamas, was killed in Qom, while Benham Shahriyari, believed to be a major figure in Iranian weapons transfers, was killed in western Iran.

The renewed attacks follow Tehran’s firm rejection of any further nuclear discussions, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that Iran would not engage in talks “under continued aggression.” He further warned that any direct U.S. military involvement would be “very dangerous for everybody.”

Israel claims its operations have pushed back Iran’s nuclear and missile programs by up to three years. Iranian officials, however, report over 430 deaths and 3,500 injuries since hostilities began on June 13. Israeli sources say 24 civilians have been killed by Iranian attacks.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts in Geneva and Istanbul, no progress has been made toward de-escalation. U.S. President Donald Trump has not ruled out American involvement, saying a decision may come within weeks.

The region remains on high alert as the threat of broader conflict looms.