The Israel-Iran air war entered its second week on Friday, escalating regional tensions and prompting urgent diplomatic efforts. Israel launched strikes last Friday to thwart Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks, maintaining its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, Israeli airstrikes have killed 639 people in Iran, including top military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran’s retaliatory attacks have reportedly caused at least two dozen Israeli civilian deaths. Reuters has not independently verified these figures.
Israel has focused on targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and missile systems, with sources indicating a broader effort to destabilize Iran’s leadership. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said regime change is not the goal, but hinted it could be a consequence.
Iran claims it is only striking military targets in Israel, but its attacks have also damaged civilian sites, including a hospital. On Thursday, Israel accused Iran of using cluster munitions to deliberately harm civilians—a charge Iran has not responded to.
As the conflict deepens, European leaders are pushing for de-escalation. British, French, and German foreign ministers, alongside the EU’s foreign policy chief, are meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Geneva. UK Foreign Minister David Lammy called for immediate steps to prevent broader regional chaos.
Meanwhile, U.S. involvement remains uncertain. President Donald Trump is expected to decide within two weeks whether to intervene. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, has held talks with Araqchi, though no clear path to resumed nuclear negotiations has emerged. Trump has floated the idea of using bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites, but no decision has been made.
With Iran facing its most serious external threat since 1979, domestic unrest appears unlikely. Activists say citizens are focused on survival, not protest, amid the violence.