TEL AVIV: Tensions intensified as Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites on Thursday, following an Iranian missile and drone assault that hit an Israeli hospital overnight.
The escalating conflict, now entering its second week, shows no signs of de-escalation or diplomatic resolution, according to Reuters.
In response to growing concerns, the White House stated that U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will support Israel militarily.
However, this timeline may be flexible, as Trump has often used “two weeks” as a general placeholder for decision-making, Reuters stated.
Meanwhile, diplomatic backchannels remain active. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has reportedly held multiple phone conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi over the past week, according to sources.
Israel has been conducting aerial strikes on Iranian targets since last Friday, claiming it aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denies pursuing such weapons and has launched retaliatory attacks on Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the hospital strike, which damaged the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, vowing that Iran’s leaders would face severe consequences.
“Are we seeking regime change? That may happen, but ultimately, it’s for the Iranian people to rise for their freedom,” Netanyahu said.
Brigadier General Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israeli military, accused Iran of intentionally targeting civilians. He claimed the missile used in the hospital attack dispersed smaller submunitions, marking the first known use of cluster bombs in the ongoing conflict.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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