In a major escalation, Iran launched missile strikes on Israel early Saturday, killing at least three people and injuring dozens.
The attack came in retaliation for recent Israeli airstrikes that targeted critical components of Iran’s nuclear program and military infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of top scientists and generals, reports UNB citing AP.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said the Israeli strikes killed 78 people and wounded over 320.
Israel defended the strikes as a preemptive measure to prevent Iran from nearing nuclear weapons capability—despite assessments from the US and experts that Tehran was not actively pursuing a bomb.
The developments have thrown upcoming nuclear talks between the US and Iran into uncertainty, just days ahead of their planned meeting in Oman.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli strikes and said continuing nuclear negotiations with the US no longer made sense. Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Israel had crossed all red lines with what he called a “criminal act.” While he didn’t confirm cancellation of Sunday’s scheduled talks, he noted that Iran’s final decision remained unclear.
Jordan, which had temporarily closed its skies due to the conflict, announced it would reopen airspace to civilian flights Saturday morning. The move suggests Amman sees no immediate risk of continued missile activity, despite earlier Iranian projectiles and Israeli fighter activity passing through its territory.
A woman was confirmed dead in Tel Aviv following a missile strike, and two more were killed in central Israel when a missile hit residential areas. A total of 19 people were wounded in that attack. Another seven were injured, including one moderately, in a second barrage.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both Iran and Israel to halt their military actions and return to diplomacy, saying, “Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail.”
