Tel Aviv, June 20 (AP) - In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the two nations exchanged strikes as diplomatic efforts appeared to gain momentum on Friday.
Diplomatic Endeavors in Geneva
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, was reportedly headed to Geneva to engage in discussions with the European Union's top diplomat alongside officials from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Flight-tracking data indicated that an aircraft with his usual call sign took off from Van, a city close to Iran's border, suggesting his departure for the negotiations. Iran typically confirms such departures after some delay.
Multiple Warhead Missile Challenge
The Israeli military announced on Thursday that Iran had used a missile equipped with multiple warheads, posing heightened challenges to its defense systems. The presence of multiple warheads complicates the interception process for air defense systems like Israel's Iron Dome, as multiple threats need to be addressed simultaneously.
Casualties and Strikes
Human Rights Activists, based in Washington, reported Friday that Israeli airstrikes in Iran over the past week have resulted in 657 deaths and 2,037 injuries.
Airstrikes in Rasht
In another development, Israeli airstrikes reached Rasht, a city on the Caspian Sea in Iran, early Friday morning. Videos on social media showed explosions in and around the city, while the semiofficial Fars news agency reported that local air defense systems were activated against the attacks.
Israeli military had earlier warned residents to evacuate the area around Rasht's Industrial City. However, with Iran's limited internet access, the reach of this warning remains uncertain.
International Diplomacy
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot engaged in discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday evening. Barrot outlined the purpose of the Geneva meeting, while Rubio conveyed the U.S.'s readiness for direct contact with Iran. They jointly emphasized the threats posed by Iran's nuclear and missile programs to Israel, the region, and Europe.
Separately, Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul highlighted the potential to prevent further escalation if Tehran demonstrates genuine intent to halt its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Wadephul intends to join other diplomats in Geneva for further talks.
Military and Security Developments
On the ground in Iran, anti-aircraft systems were reportedly activated in Tehran on Friday morning. It remains unclear what targets they were engaging. Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani, a key aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is said to be in stable condition after being injured in an Israeli airstrike.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that an Israeli attack on the Arak heavy water reactor caused significant damage, including to the distillation unit. Meanwhile, Israel announced the destruction of radar and missile systems near Isfahan, though Iran has not publicly acknowledged these losses.
Diplomatic Closures and Reactions
Due to the ongoing military tension, several countries, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Australia, have closed their embassies in Tehran, citing security concerns. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has conversed with Marco Rubio about collaborating to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed speculation about possible US nuclear actions, emphasizing that while such developments would be catastrophic, much of it is unfounded rumor.
After meetings in Washington, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the Middle East's situation remains volatile. "We are determined that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon," Lammy declared, highlighting the opportunity for a diplomatic solution in the coming weeks.
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