Geneva: As the conflict between Israel and Iran continued into its second week, the two nations engaged in a new round of exchanges on Saturday, marking the ninth day of ongoing hostilities.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Israeli military reported an Iranian missile attack earlier on Saturday, with no immediate reports of missile impacts. Meanwhile, Iranian media claimed an Israeli strike on a residential building in Qom resulted in two deaths and four injuries, with additional attacks reported in Isfahan, a city known for its nuclear research center.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated in a local interview that recent Israeli airstrikes have potentially delayed Iran's nuclear ambitions by two to three years. Despite the ongoing conflict, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Geneva for discussions with European foreign ministers, aiming to revive diplomatic efforts. However, the meeting concluded without significant progress, as Araqchi reiterated Iran's peaceful nuclear intentions under IAEA supervision and dismissed negotiations with the U.S. until Israeli actions cease.
In Istanbul, Arab League foreign ministers convened an emergency meeting to address escalating tensions, as reported by Trkiye's Anadolu Agency. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned of the global risks posed by the conflict and urged international intervention to prevent a full-scale war.
Iran's Mehr news agency reported explosions across Khuzestan province due to Israeli attacks, resulting in civilian casualties and over 3,000 injuries since the conflict's start. Concurrently, a missile barrage from Iran struck northern Israel, injuring 21 people and causing damage in Haifa, according to Israel's Magen David Adom.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in New Jersey, acknowledged the challenges in asking Israel to halt airstrikes while pursuing a diplomatic resolution. He criticized European diplomatic efforts, asserting that Iran prefers direct communication with the U.S. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford is set to head to Europe, positioning a third U.S. aircraft carrier closer to the Middle East, as Trump considers joining Israel's actions against Iran.
Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi expressed concerns over potential nuclear contamination from Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, warning of the degradation in nuclear safety and security.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating further, highlighting the global stakes involved and urging the international community to act to avoid an uncontrollable situation.