Iran-Israel War Enters Second Week Amid Rising Death Toll Globally

On Friday, June 20, the Iran-Israel war entered its second week. Heavy missile strikes led to the international peace being sabotaged. Israel airstrikes continued across Iran, and Tehran launched new attacks on Israeli cities. This conflict began on June 13, which caused many people’s deaths and economic downfall. Global leaders are pushing both countries for a ceasefire as the situation is going out of control. The U.S., China, and Russia are involved in making peace between Iran and Israel. However, deep mistrust and ongoing attacks continue to derail the diplomatic progress. 

Iran-Israel War: Death Toll Rises Amid Renewed Missile Strikes

Israeli air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran so far, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Those killed include top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists. Israel says it aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful. On Friday morning, Israel issued new warnings about incoming missiles. A missile struck Beersheba, Israel’s largest southern city, causing extensive damage. The blast injured at least six people. 

Paramedic Shafir Botner described the damage as “quite extensive.” Video footage showed cars on fire, smoke, and shattered buildings. Iran also hit a major hospital in Beersheba on Thursday. Tehran claimed it targeted military headquarters near the hospital. Israel denied the presence of any military site there. Israeli forces responded with overnight airstrikes on Tehran, hitting missile production facilities and nuclear research centers.

Netanyahu and Khamenei Remain Defiant

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Are we targeting the downfall of the regime? That may be a result.” He added, “It’s up to the Iranian people to rise for their freedom.” Israel has also accused Iran of using cluster munitions to target civilians. Iran’s attacks have damaged both military and civilian areas. Tehran claims to target only defense-related facilities in Israel. Israel says Iran deliberately attacked civilian areas, including a hospital. Iran’s UN mission has not responded to these charges. Inside Iran, fear has overtaken the public mood. Atena Daemi, a former political prisoner, said, “People are solely focused on saving themselves, their families, their compatriots, and even their pets.”

Trump Delays Decision on U.S. Involvement

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will decide “within the next two weeks” whether to join the conflict. He may use bunker-buster bombs to target Iran’s underground nuclear sites. Trump has shifted between calling for diplomacy and threatening Tehran. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has spoken with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi several times in the past week. 

The White House confirmed Trump would attend a national security meeting on Friday morning. However, observers note Trump often uses the “two-week” timeline without acting on it. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met UK Foreign Minister David Lammy on Thursday. He also spoke with Penny Wong (Australia), Jean-Noel Barrot (France), and Antonio Tajani (Italy). All leaders agreed, “Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.”

Global Powers Urge Diplomatic Solution For Iran-Israel War

European leaders gathered in Geneva on Friday to de-escalate the Iran-Israel war. British Foreign Minister David Lammy said, “Now is the time to stop the grave scenes in the Middle East.” He warned against a wider regional war. Lammy and the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the EU met Iran’s Foreign Minister Araqchi. Lammy also posted on X, calling the Middle East situation “perilous” and saying a “window exists within the next two weeks” for diplomacy. Russia and China also urged calm. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping condemned Israel’s attacks. They called for urgent de-escalation, the Kremlin said on Thursday. If the Iran-Israel war continues, it threatens the Middle East’s trading and people’s security.  Global leaders are racing to push Iran and Israel toward talks. Trump’s looming decision adds more tension to an already volatile situation.