New Delhi/Tehran/Jerusalem, June 14 — Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated dramatically for a second consecutive day on Saturday, with Israeli airstrikes reportedly killing at least 138 people across Iran, including nuclear scientists and military personnel. The attacks prompted Tehran to cancel scheduled nuclear negotiations with the United States and issue stern warnings to the U.S., UK, and France over potential intervention.
According to Iranian officials, the latest wave of air raids by Israeli fighter aircraft occurred around 10:30 p.m. (local time) on Friday, targeting nuclear and military sites. Sixty fatalities were reported in the second strike, including dozens of security personnel and civilians. Earlier in the day, 78 people, including nine nuclear scientists and over 20 Iranian commanders, were killed in an initial round of airstrikes.
Iran responded with missile attacks, claiming to have struck the Israeli Defence Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv, resulting in three Israeli deaths and over 90 injuries, including seven military personnel. The Israeli government has not confirmed the claim.
In a video address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would continue its offensive. “You will see Israeli planes above the skies of Tehran,” Mr. Netanyahu said, vowing to “strike every site and every target of the Ayatollah’s regime.”
Iran Warns Western Powers, Cancels Nuclear Talks
Amid the growing hostilities, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the cancellation of planned nuclear negotiations with the United States in Oman, citing the attacks as a breach of trust. The decision, reported by Al Jazeera, is seen as a significant blow to international efforts aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear accord.
In a statement issued by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Tehran warned that any Western intervention in defense of Israel would prompt retaliatory strikes on U.S., British, and French military assets in the region.
Heavy Casualties in Iran’s Northwest
Iranian state media reported that 30 soldiers and a Red Crescent staff member were killed in Israel’s bombardment of northwestern Iran, particularly around Tabriz, a key urban center. Nineteen sites were reportedly targeted, with at least 55 more people injured.
Meanwhile, Iran claimed it had successfully downed three Israeli F-35 fighter jets, describing it as a significant feat against advanced fifth-generation aircraft. The claim, however, remains unverified by independent defense observers.
Diplomatic Fallout, Global Reactions
Croatia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that its counsellor in Israel and his spouse were injured in an Iranian missile strike. Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman condemned the violence and extended support to diplomatic personnel caught in the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly held a 50-minute phone call to discuss the crisis. The Kremlin stated that both leaders addressed rising tensions in the Middle East as well as ongoing peace efforts in Ukraine.
The situation has alarmed global diplomatic channels, with several countries calling for restraint and urging both sides to return to dialogue.
Ongoing Threats
As of late Saturday, Israeli military officials warned of further Iranian missile barrages expected overnight. Army Radio reported that defense forces were on maximum alert, particularly around strategic installations and urban centers.
With regional instability deepening, the United Nations has called for an emergency Security Council session to address the conflict, though no resolution has yet been tabled.
