Iran has claimed it carried out attacks targeting Israel’s key military and nuclear-related facilities. According to state media, the early-morning operation involved drones and missiles striking command and control centers. It was also reported that related industrial facilities in the southern Dead Sea region were targeted.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said a new phase of its ongoing operations against the United States and Israel has begun, describing it as the 82nd stage of the campaign.
Meanwhile, tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated again amid the situation. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iran is secretly seeking an agreement and is eager to reach a deal. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the claim, stating that Tehran is only reviewing U.S. proposals and has no plans for direct talks.
Araghchi added that messages are being exchanged through intermediary countries, but these should not be considered formal negotiations.
Speaking at an event in Washington, Trump said Iran’s leadership is engaging in behind-the-scenes discussions but is reluctant to make it public due to concerns about domestic and international reactions.
The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel jointly launched strikes on Iran. Since then, Iran has been carrying out retaliatory attacks on Israel, U.S. bases, and targets across the Gulf region.
Early in the conflict, reports emerged of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Later, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was brought forward as his successor.
A diplomatic source also said Pakistan has urged the United States not to target Iran’s top leadership in order to keep the door open for dialogue. Islamabad is also being considered as a possible venue for future talks.
