Israel bombs Iranian missile platforms, reports killing of military commander

The Israeli military announced that it recently attacked “three missile platforms ready to be launched from Iran into Israel.” It also reported striking the “military commander who was preparing to launch them,” though no further details were provided, according to Al Jazeera.

On Friday, Iran stated it would not discuss the future of its nuclear program while under Israeli attack. Meanwhile, European nations are seeking to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table, with a decision on possible U.S. involvement expected within two weeks, Reuters reports.

The conflict escalated last Friday when Israel launched attacks on Iran, aiming to prevent its longtime adversary from developing nuclear weapons. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel but insists its nuclear program is peaceful.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports that Israeli airstrikes have killed 639 people in Iran, including top military officials and nuclear scientists. Israel says Iranian missile attacks have killed at least two dozen Israeli civilians. Reuters has not independently verified the casualty figures from either side.

Israeli strikes have targeted nuclear sites and missile capabilities but have also hit civilian areas as part of an effort to weaken the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Western and regional officials.

“Are we targeting the downfall of the regime? That may be a result, but it’s up to the Iranian people to rise for their freedom,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

Iran has said it is targeting military and defense-related sites in Israel, though it has also struck hospitals and other civilian locations.

Israel accused Iran on Thursday of deliberately targeting civilians through the use of cluster munitions, which disperse small bombs over a wide area. Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Iranian emergency services reported on Friday that five hospitals had been damaged in Israeli strikes.

With neither side backing down, the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany, along with the European Union’s foreign policy chief, were scheduled to meet Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Geneva on Friday in an effort to de-escalate the conflict.