Israel Strikes Isfahan Nuclear Site Again as US Sends Conflicting Signals

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Israel and Iran launched new strikes in a second week of hostilities, with the Isfahan nuclear facility targeted again, as Donald Trump deepened uncertainty about his readiness to join the conflict.

Amid a second week of hostilities, Israel and Iran have launched new strikes, targeting the Isfahan nuclear facility once more, while uncertainty looms over Donald Trump's stance on joining the conflict.

Israeli jets conducted a second attack on Iran's Isfahan site, specifically aiming at a centrifuge production section, as reported by the Israel Defense Forces. No hazardous material leaks were reported by Iran's semi-official Fars News. The IDF confirmed the identification of missiles launched from Iran and efforts to intercept them.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the killing of Saeed Izadi, a leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas unit involved in Hamas financing and arming in Gaza, in the Iranian city of Qom. Another IRGC member, Behnam Shahriyari, linked to supplying Lebanon's Hezbollah and other militias, was also reported dead, along with a third commander, according to an Israeli military source. Iranian state TV disclosed the deaths of five IRGC members in Lorestan province on Saturday.

After escalating threats against Iran earlier in the week, Trump hinted at easing tensions on Thursday, suggesting a two-week delay to explore diplomatic solutions. However, on Friday, he hinted at a shorter deadline but mentioned possible support for a ceasefire during ongoing talks. Iran has insisted on halting attacks before engaging in negotiations, a condition Israel has rejected.

Trump stated, "I'm giving them a period of time. I would say two weeks would be the maximum," following discussions with his national security team. Foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany met with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva on Friday, with limited progress reported.

Oil prices dropped on Friday after reports that Iran is open to discussing restrictions on uranium enrichment, although prices remain elevated compared to pre-conflict levels. The week ended with stock losses as investors assessed geopolitical and trade developments, while the dollar recorded its best week since February.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attended an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit in Istanbul on Saturday and is scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Erdoğan criticized Israel's actions, accusing them of destabilizing the region with the support of Western powers.

Before the suspension of a two-month negotiation process with the US following Israel's attack, Tehran had signaled willingness to accept some restrictions on enrichment activities. The US and Israel maintain that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium at all.

Trump reiterated his belief that Iran was weeks away from obtaining a nuclear bomb when Israel struck, dismissing US intelligence assessments suggesting otherwise. He is set to attend another national security meeting on Saturday.

Debate surrounds the necessity of US involvement in a successful strike on the subterranean nuclear enrichment site at Fordow, with some arguing that Israel has the required tools. While some believe US participation would expedite the conflict resolution, others warn of escalation and potential spread to neighboring Gulf states.



Source: Mint
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