Two-week deadline, IAEA warning, rising civilian toll: Key flashpoints in the Israel-Iran conflict

Iran has launched more than 1,000 drones and 450 missiles, most of which have been intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system.

The military conflict between Israel and Iran entered a volatile new phase on Saturday, with intensified airstrikes, diplomatic setbacks, and heightened fears of wider regional involvement.

As cities on both sides continue to suffer civilian and infrastructure losses, U.S. President Donald Trump has kept the world on edge by refusing to rule out American military intervention.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Iran a maximum of two weeks to return to negotiations, warning that military action is on the table if diplomacy fails. Reaffirming his desire to act as a “peacemaker,” Trump stated, “If someone’s winning, it’s harder to ask them to stop,” referencing Israel’s battlefield momentum. He also hinted that the Fordow uranium enrichment facility, buried deep underground in Iran, could be a possible target if talks collapse.

Trump has dismissed recent European diplomatic efforts led by the UK, France, and Germany. Speaking on Friday, he said, “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us.” Talks in Geneva ended without progress, as Iran rebuffed EU pleas to return to the nuclear deal. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CNN that diplomacy would resume only “once the aggressor is held accountable for the crimes committed.”

Trump publicly rebuked Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who testified that Iran was not actively building nuclear weapons. “She’s wrong,” Trump said, suggesting that Iran could be mere weeks away from weaponization if it chooses to proceed.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the “diplomatic window is closing fast,” and emphasized that the U.S. would act if negotiations failed. “Once the President concludes diplomacy is dead, he’ll do what needs to be done,” Vance added, indicating a shift toward military planning.

Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), cautioned Israel against targeting Iran’s operational nuclear reactors, like Bushehr. While Israel did damage the Arak heavy water facility—currently inactive—Grossi warned that an attack on Bushehr could release dangerous levels of radiation.

Despite international calls for restraint, PM Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s intent to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities, calling it an “existential threat.” Israeli defense officials described the current operation as one of the most complex military engagements in the nation’s history.

An Iranian ballistic missile struck Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, southern Israel, on Thursday morning. Israel’s Foreign Minister called the attack a “war crime.” The hospital strike has drawn global condemnation and intensified fears over Iran’s targeting of civilian infrastructure.

Israeli strikes pound Tehran and critical military sites The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed launching a series of overnight airstrikes on multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran and Rasht, targeting suspected missile launch and storage facilities. Additional strikes were reported along the Caspian coast, intensifying Israel’s campaign to cripple Iran’s military infrastructure.

The Al Jarina Grand Mosque in Haifa, a symbol of religious coexistence in Israel, was heavily damaged in an Iranian missile strike. Stained glass windows were shattered and structural parts were destroyed. President Isaac Herzog denounced the attack as an assault on Israel’s multicultural identity: “Iran is trying to kill Israelis of all faiths… Muslims included.”

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Hezbollah, saying, “Be careful.” With Iran-backed groups across the region potentially ready to activate, fears are growing that the conflict could spiral into a broader Middle East war involving Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and even Yemen.

Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that Iran is plotting to assassinate Trump, the FBI has increased surveillance of suspected Hezbollah operatives in the U.S. Intelligence agencies fear potential attacks on American soil if the conflict escalates further, reported CNN.

The war's human cost is surging.

A Washington-based rights group estimates over 650 deaths in Iran, including 263 civilians, and at least 24 fatalities in Israel, with thousands injured. Iran has launched more than 1,000 drones and 450 missiles, most of which have been intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system.