Tehran (TDI): Israel continued its military assault on Iran for a second day on Saturday, striking air defense systems and additional strategic targets, following Tehran’s retaliatory missile barrage that left at least three dead and more than 90 wounded across central Israel.
According to Israeli military officials, the airstrikes, which resumed overnight, are part of an open-ended campaign. “The operations will continue as long as necessary,” a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.
The violence follows Iran’s unprecedented launch of over two dozen ballistic missiles on Friday in response to Israel’s earlier attacks on nuclear and military installations.
Tehran claims those strikes killed 78 people, including senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and top nuclear scientists. More than 320 others were reported injured.
The death toll in Israel climbed to three on Saturday, after a woman critically wounded in Friday’s missile strikes succumbed to her injuries, according to Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan. Two others had died earlier, and dozens remain hospitalized, at least three in critical condition.
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Heavy structural damage has been reported across several Israeli cities, particularly in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv, where nine buildings were destroyed and hundreds of apartments severely damaged.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Friday that a much-anticipated United Nations conference aimed at advancing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine has been postponed in the wake of Israel’s military assault on Iran.
The conference, which France and Saudi Arabia were scheduled to co-host from June 17–20 in New York, was set to bring together international leaders to chart a path toward Palestinian statehood while ensuring Israel’s long-term security. However, the recent escalation between Tel Aviv and Tehran has forced a sudden shift in plans.
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“Due to the military situation in the region, it is no longer feasible for key players to attend, including the Palestinian Authority and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” Macron said during a press briefing. “But this delay will not weaken our resolve.”
Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to the two-state solution and made clear that his government is prepared to take bold steps. “Regardless of the circumstances, I have stated my determination to recognize the State of Palestine,” he said.
