TEHRAN/TEL AVIV, — The Israel-Iran conflict entered its eighth day on Friday with no signs of de-escalation, as both nations continued to launch cross-border air and missile strikes, claiming dozens of casualties and targeting critical infrastructure.
Israel said it had carried out overnight air raids on numerous Iranian military facilities, including missile factories, air defense systems, and a key research center in Tehran. Among the reported targets was the Organisation of Defensive Innovation and Research, which Israeli officials allege is connected to Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
The Israeli military confirmed that surface-to-air missile batteries in western Iran were struck, killing several Iranian troops, including a senior commander from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Defence Minister Israel Katz announced a more aggressive military strategy, saying he had ordered strikes on “symbols of the regime” and “mechanisms of oppression” in the Iranian capital.
Iran’s retaliation was swift. The IRGC launched its 17th wave of missile strikes, claiming to have hit Israeli military targets including the Nevatim and Hatzerim airbases. Tehran said missiles also landed in Beersheba, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the Negev, adding that “our offensive missile power is growing.”
An Iranian military spokesman stated that Friday’s missile and drone assault deployed long-range and ultra-heavy munitions aimed at Israeli defense and command centers.
Casualties and Civilian Impact
Israeli media reported the death of a nuclear scientist following the strike on Tehran’s research center. Iran’s health ministry said that a third hospital in Tehran was damaged by Israeli airstrikes, while Fars News Agency detailed injuries at a five-storey building housing a bakery and hair salon.
A drone also reportedly hit an apartment complex in the Gisha district of central Tehran. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, Israeli strikes have killed 639 people in Iran so far. Iranian attacks have led to 24 civilian deaths in Israel, according to Israeli sources.
Seventeen Israelis, including three in serious condition, were injured in the latest wave of Iranian missile strikes, according to Magen David Adom. In Haifa alone, 23 people were reportedly hurt. Beersheba’s north train station was temporarily shut down, and a Microsoft facility was damaged during the attacks.
Public Reaction and Protests
In Iran, tens of thousands participated in anti-Israel protests after Friday prayers in cities including Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, Qom, and Mashhad. Similar rallies were held in Baghdad’s Sadr City and southern Beirut.
In the UK, pro-Palestinian demonstrators broke into RAF Brize Norton base and damaged two military aircraft. British police later arrested eight men after a violent incident between pro- and anti-Iranian protesters near Iran’s London embassy.
International Diplomacy and Political Statements
President Donald Trump addressed the press, saying: “Well, my intelligence community is wrong,” in response to his intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard’s claim that there’s no solid evidence of Iran pursuing nuclear weapons. Trump added that although a ceasefire might be an option, “Israel’s doing well in terms of war, and I think you would say that Iran is doing less well.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said: “Failure to [end the strikes] would result in a far more forceful and regrettable response from Iran.” He maintained that the air assaults must stop before any talks resume.
At the UN Security Council, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged restraint, warning that an escalation “could ignite a fire no one can control.” IAEA Director Rafael Grossi echoed this concern, stating that an attack on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant could result in “radioactive releases with great consequences.”
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon stated: “Not until Iran’s nuclear threat is dismantled, not until its war machine is disarmed, not until our people and yours are safe.” Meanwhile, Iran’s UN representative Amir Saeid Iravani warned the council about credible reports suggesting potential U.S. involvement.
Talks in Geneva and the Diplomatic Freeze
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attended a meeting in Geneva with EU and European foreign ministers. Although no breakthrough was announced, Araghchi signaled willingness to re-engage in diplomacy if the airstrikes end.
“Iran is ready to consider diplomacy once again – once the aggression is stopped and the aggressor is held accountable for the crimes committed,” Araghchi said.
France, Germany, and the UK reiterated that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. However, European diplomats expressed low expectations for progress unless hostilities are halted.
Meanwhile, multiple countries — including Ireland, Switzerland, Australia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic — temporarily shut down embassies in Iran. The UK announced it was operating remotely after withdrawing diplomatic staff.