This latest attack followed Iranian missile fire that resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people overnight, bringing the total death toll to 13 since Iran began its retaliatory strikes on Friday.
US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that Washington had "nothing to do" with Israel's intense bombardment campaign that began on Friday, which targeted key military and nuclear sites as well as residential areas. However, Trump threatened to unleash "the full strength and might" of the US military if Iran attacked American interests.
He expressed optimism on his Truth Social platform, suggesting that "we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!"
In response, Iran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, asserted that Tehran had "solid proof" that US forces and bases in the region had supported Israel in its attacks.
Israeli police reported that six people were killed and at least 180 others injured in an overnight missile strike in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv on Israel's Mediterranean coast.
Iran's UN ambassador claimed that 78 people were killed and 320 injured in Friday's initial wave of Israeli strikes. Iranian authorities have not updated the casualty count since then, but "Tehran alleges that Israel has targeted high-ranking military commanders and nuclear scientists," the Reuters News Agency reported.
As the conflict escalated, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to mediate. According to Polish Radio, Putin discussed the matter over the phone with President Trump, with their conversation lasting 50 minutes. The Kremlin announced that Putin expressed concerns about the potential for the conflict between Israel and Iran to escalate unpredictably.
Trump confirmed on social media that he had a lengthy conversation with Putin regarding the conflict. "He believes, as I do, that the war should end," Trump said. He appreciated the call from Putin, who also conveyed "very nice birthday wishes" to him. This dialogue took place as Israel and Iran continued their intense exchange of fire. The White House also announced that talks planned between Washington and Tehran in Oman regarding the future of Iran's nuclear program had been canceled, according to AFP.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also assured Donald Trump on Saturday that Turkey is prepared to do everything possible to prevent an uncontrolled escalation in the region. Erdogan discussed the situation in a telephone conversation with Trump following the mutual attacks that began with Friday's shelling of Iranian military and nuclear targets.
Furthermore, Iran has cautioned the United States, Britain, and France that it will target their bases and ships in the Middle East if they assist Israel in stopping Tehran's attacks, according to Iranian media.
(aj)
SOURCE: IAR; Reuters; AFP