Israel and Iran intensify aerial strikes as Europe pushes for diplomatic breakthrough

As the second week of intense aerial conflict unfolds between Israel and Iran, European diplomatic efforts have intensified in hopes of drawing Tehran back to the negotiating table. This comes amid rising casualties and an uncertain stance from the United States, whose President Donald Trump has said a decision on potential American involvement is expected within two weeks.

Israel launched its initial strikes last Friday, aiming to prevent Iran from advancing what it alleges is a nuclear weapons program. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, insisting that its nuclear ambitions are strictly peaceful.

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of 639 individuals in Iran, including senior military figures and nuclear scientists. Iran's missile retaliation has reportedly killed at least two dozen civilians in Israel, though independent verification of these figures remains elusive.

Western and regional officials report that Israel has specifically targeted nuclear facilities, missile capabilities, and key elements of Iran's leadership under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that regime change could be a possible outcome, though he stated it would ultimately depend on the Iranian people themselves.

Iran, for its part, claims to be striking only military and defense-related locations in Israel. However, civilian sites, including a hospital, have been hit. On Thursday, Israel accused Iran of deliberately attacking civilians using cluster munitions, although Iran’s representation at the United Nations has yet to respond.

Amid this escalating confrontation, top diplomats from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the European Union are scheduled to meet Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Geneva to seek de-escalation. British Foreign Minister David Lammy emphasized the urgency of avoiding a broader regional conflict, stating the situation must be contained swiftly.

Lammy also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has spoken with officials from Australia, France, and Italy. All parties reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Lammy highlighted the critical diplomatic window available in the next two weeks.

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for de-escalation and condemned Israel’s actions, according to statements from the Kremlin.

Despite the growing crisis, the U.S. role remains ambiguous. Steve Witkoff, the administration’s special envoy to the region, has reportedly held multiple discussions with Araqchi. Meanwhile, Trump plans to participate in a high-level national security meeting on Friday. Though he has threatened military action against Tehran, he has also encouraged the revival of stalled nuclear talks.

Early Friday, Israel issued another warning about incoming Iranian missile attacks. One missile directly hit the southern city of Beersheba, damaging residential buildings, offices, and industrial sites. The impact left a sizable crater and injured at least six people, with emergency services continuing search efforts.

Footage from the aftermath revealed burning cars, shattered windows, and thick smoke. Just a day prior, Iran had struck a major hospital in Beersheba. Iran claimed it was targeting nearby military installations, but Israel denied such facilities existed near the hospital.

In response, Israel launched nighttime air raids targeting missile production facilities and nuclear research centers in Tehran.

While Trump has publicly considered a potential strike using powerful "bunker buster" bombs on Iran’s underground nuclear sites, the White House insists no final decision has been made. Though Trump mentioned a two-week timeline, such deadlines have often shifted in the past.

With the Islamic Republic under severe external pressure, some observers have suggested that regime change might only occur if there is widespread domestic unrest. Yet many activists, recalling past uprisings, are hesitant to take to the streets while the country is under external attack.