By Gloria Nosa
Israel launched fresh strikes on key nuclear-related sites in Iran on Friday, deepening an already volatile conflict as diplomatic efforts led by United States struggle to bring the fighting to a close.
The attacks came as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded talks with foreign ministers from the Group of Seven in Paris, where he expressed confidence that the ongoing military campaign would significantly weaken Iran within weeks.
Rubio told reporters that Washington expects its military pressure to yield results soon, adding that discussions with allies also focused on maintaining free navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil and gas supplies.
He described any attempt to impose fees or restrictions on vessels passing through the strait as unacceptable and warned that such actions could destabilize global markets.
In a joint communiqué, G7 foreign ministers emphasized the need to preserve open shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz and urged all parties to halt attacks on civilian populations and infrastructure.
Nuclear Sites and Industrial Facilities Targeted
Iranian officials reported that the strikes hit the Khondab Heavy Water Complex in central Iran and another uranium-processing facility in Ardakan, approximately 600 kilometres away. Israeli military authorities later confirmed targeting the locations.
Authorities in Tehran stated that no radioactive leaks were detected following the strikes.
In addition to nuclear facilities, two major steel plants — Khuzestan Steel Complex and Mobarakeh Steel Company — were also reportedly struck, prompting strong warnings from Iranian officials.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attacks, vowing that Tehran would respond decisively. He also criticized the strikes as undermining diplomatic timelines set by Donald Trump for negotiations.
Iran Threatens Regional Retaliation
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that it could retaliate by targeting industrial infrastructure across the region. The Guards urged civilians working in such facilities to evacuate, echoing earlier warnings issued to residents near American military installations and hotels housing foreign troops.
Tehran has reportedly submitted counterproposals to a U.S. peace framework, including demands for war compensation and recognition of Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts say all sides appear convinced they hold the advantage. Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group noted that the competing confidence among the parties may prolong negotiations.
War Expands Across the Region
The conflict, which began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has now stretched into its fourth week, raising fears of a broader regional war.
Iranian attacks have disrupted shipping and energy facilities across the Gulf, including damage reported at Shuwaikh Port following a drone strike.
Iranian Vice President Esmael Saghab Esfahani also warned that Tehran could strike energy infrastructure in Yanbu and Fujairah if ground operations escalate.
Meanwhile, Iranian forces claimed they had turned back several vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the route effectively restricted for ships linked to opposing nations.
Humanitarian Concerns Mount
The violence has also spread to Lebanon, where clashes intensified after Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel. Explosions were reported in southern Beirut, with casualties confirmed by authorities.
According to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees representative Karolina Lindholm Billing, more than one million people have been displaced, raising fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Despite growing pressure, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said military operations would intensify in response to continued missile attacks from Iran.
However, opposition leader Yair Lapid cautioned that Israel’s military resources were being stretched thin, warning of the risks of prolonged conflict.
With oil prices rising and global markets reacting nervously, diplomatic efforts to end the fighting appear increasingly fragile as tensions continue to escalate across the region.
