Israel strikes Iran nuclear sites as war escalates

Israel launched a new round of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, striking Khondab in Arak and confirming attacks on Natanz and Isfahan. Initial claims that the Bushehr plant was hit were later withdrawn to avoid a broader nuclear crisis. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at what it said were Israeli military and intelligence sites, including a location near Soroka Medical University, heavily damaging the hospital and injuring 40 staff and patients. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran’s leadership would "pay the full price," while U.S. President Donald Trump sent mixed signals, alternating between diplomacy and hints of possible U.S. military involvement. Western and regional officials say Israel’s strategy aims to weaken Iran’s leadership and destabilise Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s government.