Israel, Iran Exchange Fresh Strikes; Tehran Rules Out Nuclear Talks

Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates: Fresh Strikes Exchanged, Tehran Rejects Nuclear Talks

Israel and Iran launched new attacks on each other early Saturday, intensifying a week-old aerial conflict that began on June 13 when Israel struck Iran, claiming to stop it from developing nuclear weapons—an allegation Tehran denies.

The renewed hostilities followed Iran’s firm stance against negotiating its nuclear program under threat, even as European nations pushed to revive peace efforts.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he may support a ceasefire "depending on the circumstances." The growing conflict has stirred global concern, especially amid the ongoing Gaza war that started in October 2023.

Israel, believed to be the only nuclear-armed country in the Middle East, maintains its strike was to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions. Iran insists its program is peaceful and remains a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty—unlike Israel.

The situation remains volatile, with regional stability hanging in the balance.