Israel carried out airstrikes across Iran for a third consecutive day on Sunday, escalating a conflict that has already claimed hundreds of lives and crippled parts of Iran's energy and nuclear infrastructure. The strikes came amid rising regional tensions and the cancellation of planned nuclear talks, which had been seen as a possible path to de-escalation.
Worsening death toll and destruction
Iranian officials confirmed new explosions in Tehran and other regions early Sunday. Iran’s UN ambassador reported at least 78 people killed and more than 320 wounded in Israeli strikes so far. In retaliation, Iranian missiles struck several Israeli cities, killing at least 10 people overnight, including children, and wounding hundreds more.
In Bat Yam near Tel Aviv, a missile strike killed six people, including two children, and left seven missing. Another strike in Tamra in northern Israel killed four more, and a separate attack in Rehovot wounded 42 and damaged part of the Weizmann Institute of Science campus.
High-level Iranian losses
Israeli attacks targeted key military and nuclear infrastructure, including Iran’s Defense Ministry, air defenses, and nuclear-related facilities. Among the casualties were senior generals and nuclear scientists, suggesting deep Israeli intelligence penetration.
Satellite imagery confirmed extensive damage at Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz, particularly to power-related infrastructure. The Isfahan nuclear site was also severely damaged. Israel claims these sites were being used for military purposes, a claim Iran denies.
Energy infrastructure under fire
Iran said two oil refineries — one near Tehran and another in Bushehr — were hit, along with a natural gas plant in the South Pars field, raising concerns over a broader assault on Iran’s already-sanctioned energy sector. Iran claims to have struck economic targets in Israel in retaliation. In northern Israel, a refinery in Haifa was also damaged, forcing downstream facilities offline.
Nuclear talks collapse
Hopes for a diplomatic off-ramp collapsed as Iran canceled nuclear talks that were scheduled to resume Sunday in Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said continuing negotiations after such attacks was “unjustifiable,” blaming both Israel and the US.
The US., while denying direct involvement, has expressed full support for Israel. Former President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian retaliation against the U.S. would trigger a response “at levels never seen before,” but also claimed he could broker a peace deal.
World calls for de-escalation — Israel signals more to come
Global leaders, including China’s foreign minister, condemned the strikes on nuclear facilities as setting a “dangerous precedent.” Despite this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed calls for restraint, saying Iran had not yet “felt the full force” of Israel’s capabilities.
The Israeli military warned Iranians via social media to evacuate arms factories, suggesting further strikes are imminent.
Outlook
The rapid deterioration in relations and active hostilities between two regional powers, both deeply involved in proxy conflicts across the Middle East, has raised fears of a broader war. While Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, Israel argues its actions are preemptive — aimed at stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
UN nuclear inspectors say no radiation leaks have been detected, but damage to Iran’s infrastructure may take weeks or longer to repair, according to Israeli officials.
With direct confrontation now underway and diplomacy sidelined, the region faces its most volatile moment in years.
