Conflict intensifies as Israel, Iran trade fresh attacks on day nine of war
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed Saturday that a centrifuge manufacturing plant at Iran’s Isfahan nuclear complex was struck in the latest Israeli air raids.
“A centrifuge workshop at Isfahan was hit—this marks the third nuclear-related facility targeted by Israel in the past week,” IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said. He added that no nuclear material was present at the site, and the strike posed no radiological risk.
The conflict, triggered by Israel’s initial strikes on June 13, entered its ninth day with both sides launching new attacks. Israeli forces say they are focusing on military infrastructure in Iran’s southwest to degrade its missile and nuclear capabilities.
The violence has killed at least 430 and injured 3,500 in Iran, according to official figures, while Israeli sources report 24 dead and over 800 injured. A US-based rights group claimed a higher Iranian toll, citing the deaths of senior military and nuclear figures.
Meanwhile, an Iranian missile sparked a fire in a residential building near Tel Aviv after being intercepted, though no casualties were reported. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said their latest barrage targeted Ben Gurion Airport and key military installations, part of their ongoing retaliation.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the killing of Saeed Izadi, head of the IRGC’s Palestine Corps, in a strike on Qom. The IRGC has not commented on the claim.
UN agencies warned of fresh displacement from Iran as civilians flee escalating violence. “This region cannot afford another refugee crisis,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.
Diplomatic efforts in Geneva to broker a ceasefire have stalled. Iran insists talks cannot resume until Israeli aggression halts. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of trying to derail potential nuclear negotiations with the US through its attacks.
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the conflict risks triggering a wider war, even as he downplayed the impact on oil prices. Moscow is pushing proposals for de-escalation.
The US intelligence community remains split on Iran’s nuclear timeline, with estimates ranging from weeks to years. Critics warn of parallels to flawed intelligence before the Iraq war, raising fears of repeating past mistakes.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation convened in Istanbul to discuss the crisis. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Muslim nations to act, while Erdogan called for greater pressure on Israel under international law.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his appeal: “Give peace a chance.”
