Israel-Iran conflict enters eighth day as Beersheba struck by missiles, Israeli jets bomb Tehran

The armed confrontation between Israel and Iran has entered its eighth day, with missile and air strikes reported on both sides, and growing concern over the potential for wider regional escalation.

On the morning of 20 June, Iran launched a missile attack on the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, injuring five people, according to Israel’s emergency medical services. Local media reported that the strike caused damage to residential buildings, burned vehicles, and sparked fires near a Microsoft office located in the area.

This marks the second consecutive day Beersheba has come under attack. On 19 June, Iranian missiles destroyed a medical centre in the city, which lies in the Negev Desert and hosts a key Israeli Air Force base.

In response, the Israeli military launched a major air assault on Tehran early Thursday. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), 60 fighter jets targeted multiple military-industrial facilities in the Iranian capital, including sites involved in missile component production and the headquarters of Iran’s Military Innovation and Research Organization.

The IDF also confirmed that another Iranian site - linked to the country’s nuclear programme - was hit in the latest operation. However, it did not disclose the exact nature or location of the facility.

Israel began its military campaign on 13 June, stating its aim was to neutralise what it alleges are nuclear weapons development sites and other military threats posed by Tehran. Iran has responded with waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory.

Civilian casualties have been reported in both countries as the conflict intensifies.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to contain the violence appear to be underway. A meeting between the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France with their Iranian counterpart is expected to take place in Geneva later today.

In Washington, speculation is mounting over possible US involvement in the conflict. According to CNN, President Donald Trump is considering military action against Iran and has reportedly approved plans that could be executed in the coming days.

However, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said on Wednesday that while military options remain on the table, President Trump believes there may still be room for negotiations with Tehran. “The president will make a decision within the next two weeks,” she told reporters.

Iranian officials have reportedly told Washington that no further talks will be held unless Israel halts its military operations. US officials are said to be hoping Iran will reconsider its position and agree to demands it previously rejected, including the suspension of uranium enrichment.