Israel-Iran conflict: Tel Aviv, Tehran trade air strikes as conflict enters second week; teen killed in Qom
Israel and Iran traded air strikes on Saturday as the conflict between the West Asian rivals entered its second week with a 16-year-old being killed in the Iranian city of Qom in the latest Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, the first of three chartered evacuation flights carrying Indian students from conflict-hit Iran landed safely in New Delhi late Friday night, as part of India's Operation Sindhu rescue effort.
The conflict was triggered by Israel's unprovoked attack on Tehran on June 13, which killed several top military officials, senior scientists, and at least 60 civilians, including 20 children. Since then, Israel has continued to target the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities.
Tehran hit back in retaliation, launching ballistic missiles across Israel, with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat strikes targeting military and civilian infrastructure over the past seven days.
Israel, the sole but undeclared nuclear power in the Middle East, has said the attacks are aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. It has also continued to publicly advocate for regime change in Tehran, including reported plans to assassinate Iran's supreme leader.
Recap of key developments:
1. Indian citizens evacuated: Two chartered flights with Indian citizens who were evacuated from Iran have arrived in Delhi on Saturday under India's Operation Sindhu.
2. Death toll: Israel's strikes on Iran have so far killed at least 657 people, including at least 263 civilians, according to a US-based NGO, the Human Rights Activists News Agency, citing Iranian sources and reports. Iran's retaliatory strikes have killed at least 25 people in Israel since the war began, according to Israeli authorities.
3. Iran says 'ready for talks with US': Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Iran is open to continuing talks with the US once Israel's 'aggression' stops and the 'aggressor is held accountable.'
4. Israel vows prolonged campaign: Israel's armed forces chief Eyal Zamir warned that his country should be "ready for a prolonged campaign" against Iran.
5. Trump says Gabbard was wrong: Trump has said his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was "wrong" when she previously said there was no evidence to suggest Iran was building a nuclear weapon.
6. Israel kills 82 Palestinians in Gaza: At least 82 Palestinians, including dozens of aid seekers, were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza on Friday, the enclave's Health Ministry said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
Israel's multi-layered defense and strategic counteroffensive highlighted amid intensifying conflict with Iran
The recent hostilities between Israel and Iran on Friday have escalated into a complex military confrontation that underscores Israel's advanced multi-tiered air defense capabilities alongside strategic precision strikes deep inside Iranian territory. Israel has successfully intercepted a significant number of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ballistic missiles, while simultaneously conducting targeted airstrikes on Iranian missile launchers and nuclear-related infrastructure. The Israeli Air Force (IAF), supported by naval defense systems such as the Barak MX, intercepted over 15 Iranian UAVs in a single day, maintaining an overall interception rate exceeding 90% against hundreds of drones and missiles launched since the conflict's escalation. The lengthy flight time of Iranian drones—approximately nine hours—has allowed Israel to effectively deploy interceptors and scramble fighter jets to neutralize threats well before they reach populated areas. Despite the high interception rate, missile strikes caused injuries and damage in Haifa and Beersheba, with at least seven lightly wounded in Beersheba and two injured in Haifa, including a teenager in serious condition. In retaliation, Israel launched precision airstrikes involving over 60 aircraft targeting missile launch sites, storage facilities, and nuclear program-related sites across central and western Iran. Among the key targets was the headquarters of the SPND nuclear project , a critical component of Iran's advanced weapons development efforts. Israeli officials reported the elimination of key Iranian military commanders and disruption of planned missile barrages aimed at southern Israel. Live Events Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced plans to intensify strikes against Iranian internal security institutions and regime symbols to destabilize the regime, with Iran continuing to expand its missile arsenal. However, Israel maintains sufficient interceptor missile stockpiles and is adapting its defense systems, including deploying new interceptors specifically designed to counter UAV threats. This conflict has evolved into a high-stakes tit-for-tat exchange, with both nations demonstrating advanced military technologies and a willingness to strike strategic targets beyond their borders. Recent intelligence has revealed covert Israeli drone manufacturing facilities inside Iran, while Iran's use of cluster warheads highlights the evolving and covert nature of this confrontation. Israel's ability to intercept the vast majority of Iranian UAVs and missiles while conducting deep strikes into Iranian territory reflects a blend of technological superiority and tactical planning that might shape this prolonged conflict. With current hostilities numbering at least 24 Israeli and over 600 Iranian deaths since June 13, with hundreds more wounded, authorities emphasize the importance of adhering strictly to safety protocols.
Mint
14 minutes ago
- Mint
Trump Says Spain Has to Pay as NATO Seeks Deal on Spending
NATO allies are pressing Spain to sign on to a stepped-up defense spending target and end a holdout that US President Donald Trump portrayed as unacceptable. Ahead of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit starting Tuesday that Trump is scheduled to attend, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is the only leader who's outright opposed to the proposal to raise outlays to 5% of gross domestic product. 'NATO's going to have to deal with Spain,' Trump told reporters during a trip to his New Jersey golf club on Friday. 'Spain's been a very low payer. I think Spain has to pay what everybody else has to pay.' Ambassadors of NATO member countries held inconclusive talks in Brussels on Friday and are expected to continue into the weekend, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked for anonymity to discuss private consultations. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is negotiating directly with Sanchez, the people said. Others among the alliance's lowest spenders, such as Italy and Belgium, have expressed doubt about the 5% goal and asked for flexibility but eventually came on board. The two-day NATO summit in The Hague begins on Tuesday. While Rutte initially proposed a 2032 target, the latest draft pushes the date back to 2035. His wish to see mandatory yearly increases has also been stripped, which should make the process easier for laggards. NATO's existing target calls for member countries to spend 2% of GDP on defense. Under the new target, 1.5% would go to broader defense-related spending such as cybersecurity as well as infrastructure for moving troops and military equipment. The agreed criteria are broad enough that all allies should be able meet that part of the plan quickly, according to the people. The increase in core defense spending from 2% to 3.5% will be much harder to deliver. What could help bring Spain on board is that NATO will review the equipment and troops it deems necessary in 2029. The price tag attached to its capabilities could be tweaked at that point, potentially providing some breathing room for countries, according to the people. With assistance from Skylar Woodhouse. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
News18
15 minutes ago
- News18
Who Is Sajid Tarar, Pakistani-American Businessman Who Brokered Trump–Asim Munir White House Lunch?
Last Updated: A vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016, Tarar founded The American Muslims for Trump, and is known for advocating conservative values within the Muslim-American community A rare private lunch between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, in the prestigious White House Cabinet Room dominated global headlines this week. According to Firstpost, this was only the second time in over two decades that a Pakistani military chief was hosted at such a level in Washington—the first being General Pervez Musharraf after the 9/11 attacks. As Trump discussed regional politics, the Isarel-Iran conflict and defence technology with Munir, there was buzz over who had been able to broker the high-level luncheon. Reports now suggest that it was Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani-American businessman, who orchestrated Munir's invitation during the latter's five-day US visit to strengthen bilateral ties. WHO IS SAJID TARAR? The businessman is a lawyer, activist, and Republican political figure based in Baltimore. Born in Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan, Tarar immigrated to the US in the 1980s–90s, studied law at the University of Baltimore, and became a US citizen. He runs multiple business interests and serves as President of Maximus Investment Group, dealing in finance and real estate. He's also the CEO of the Center for Social Change, a Baltimore-based non-profit focused on community programmes and social services. A vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016, he founded The American Muslims for Trump, and has spoken at Republican National Conventions and is known for advocating conservative values within the Muslim American community. He served as an advisor to Trump on Muslim‑American engagement and frequently appeared in conservative media defending the administration's policies. According to Times of India and Firstpost, Tarar's influence in Republican circles extends beyond political rhetoric. His son reportedly worked at the US State Department during Trump's first term, further signaling his integration into Washington's conservative establishment. He also advocates for improved India–Pakistan relations and has, in the past, praised PM Narendra Modi and encouraged regional peace initiatives. While the meeting made headlines for its setting, it also stirred controversy in Pakistan. As Moneycontrol and Economic Times point out, there was no official representation from Pakistan's civilian government. This raises concerns about the military conducting parallel diplomacy—a long-standing criticism in Pakistan's power structure. The fact that a private individual like Tarar could facilitate such a high-level engagement without the Foreign Office being involved has unsettled parts of Islamabad's civilian leadership. WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MEETING? According to top diplomatic sources in Washington, Trump laid out a series of sweeping demands and bold offers aimed at reshaping the regional power balance during the lunch meeting. Trump has reportedly asked Pakistan for unconditional military and strategic support, including access to air bases, ground logistics, and potentially sea routes—making Pakistan a critical player in any upcoming military theatre. In return, Trump has promised Pakistan unprecedented access to American defence technology—including 5th-generation stealth jets and advanced missile systems—along with significant financial aid. Trump reportedly urged Munir to 'distance Pakistan from Eastern blocs," including BRICS, and instead re-join the US-led security framework. The Trump–Munir meeting comes amid shifting global alliances, ongoing unrest in West Asia, and a changing power dynamic in South Asia. As reported by Moneycontrol, this private diplomacy could signal a future alignment where military figures bypass diplomats. With his increasing involvement in geopolitical dialogues, Sajid Tarar may be shaping a new model of diaspora-driven diplomacy—one that sidesteps traditional gatekeepers in both Washington and Islamabad. First Published:
