IAEA Urges Israel Not to Target Iran’s Nuclear Sites as Conflict Enters Second Week
Tehran – As the Israel-Iran conflict enters its second week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on Israel to refrain from targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. Addressing the UN Security Council, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasised that the agency remains capable of monitoring Iran’s nuclear programme and verifying that no nuclear weapons development is underway.
Despite the appeal, Israel has intensified its military campaign, confirming airstrikes on Tehran and Rasht, as well as on what it claims are nuclear research and development centres and military bases near Kermanshah and Tabriz. Speaking at the UN, Israel’s ambassador accused Iran of harbouring a “genocidal agenda” and reiterated that Israel would continue its military actions until Iran’s nuclear capabilities are dismantled.
Trump Issues Two-Week Ultimatum
Amid rising global concern, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran has been given a two-week window to avoid potential American airstrikes. “I’m giving them a time — maybe two weeks at the most. We’ll see if they come to their senses,” Trump told reporters on Thursday, indicating a decision on military action could be made within that period.
Humanitarian Corridors and Evacuations
In a rare diplomatic gesture, Iran has opened its airspace to India to facilitate the evacuation of approximately 1,000 Indian nationals, primarily students, from the city of Mashhad. Mohammad Javad Hosseini, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy, confirmed that three chartered flights had been approved, with the possibility of additional evacuations if needed.
Iran Rejects Nuclear Talks Amid Hostilities
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in Geneva for European-led talks on nuclear non-proliferation, declared that discussions on Iran’s nuclear future are not possible while Israeli aggression continues. Despite this, Araghchi is participating in consultations aimed at de-escalation.
Araghchi further accused Israel of sabotaging diplomatic progress, claiming the Israeli attack on Iran occurred just days before a scheduled meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman, where both nations were expected to explore a new nuclear agreement.
Israeli Institutions Targeted
In a retaliatory strike, Iranian missiles reportedly struck the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel — a key research facility allegedly linked to nuclear-related intelligence work. While no casualties were reported, the attack caused significant destruction of laboratories and the loss of critical scientific research, according to the Associated Press.
Thousands took to the streets in Tehran in large pro-government demonstrations denouncing Israel’s airstrikes. Parallel protests were held in Iraq, where followers of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr rallied in solidarity with Iran.
Meanwhile, Israel issued a stern warning to Hezbollah, cautioning the Lebanese militant group against entering the conflict.
Irish Samachar English News
{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp
Comments are closed.