Amid intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Thursday that he will travel to Geneva for high-level nuclear talks with representatives from the European Union, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The meeting, scheduled for Friday, aims to address the status of Iran’s nuclear program amid growing international alarm.

“We will meet with the European delegation in Geneva on Friday,” Araghchi said in a statement carried by Iran’s state news agency IRNA.

The diplomatic engagement comes just hours after Israel launched fresh strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, targeting facilities in Natanz and Arak. In retaliation, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israeli targets, including one that reportedly hit near the Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel. Iran has denied intentionally targeting the hospital, claiming the intended strike was aimed at a nearby Israeli military intelligence base.

Tensions Spill into International Arenas

Iran’s Foreign Ministry also intensified its criticism of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), accusing it of siding with Israel. Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei sharply rebuked IAEA chief Rafael Grossi following his remarks to CNN that there is “no evidence” Iran is actively pursuing nuclear weapons. Baghaei argued that the agency’s recent resolution accusing Iran of violating its nuclear commitments was used as justification for Israel’s airstrikes.

“You have made the IAEA a partner in this unjust war of aggression,” Baghaei posted on X, calling Grossi’s stance misleading and dangerous.

Israel Vows Further Retaliation

In response to the missile strike near the hospital, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating he would be held personally responsible. Katz announced that the Israeli military had been ordered to escalate operations against Iranian targets, including attacks on strategic infrastructure in Tehran.

“These are grave war crimes,” Katz declared. “The Ayatollah regime will feel the consequences.”

The Israeli military later confirmed that its forces had struck components of Iran’s nuclear development sites in Natanz and Arak. According to Israeli officials, the target in Arak included the structural core of a heavy-water reactor—a key element in potential plutonium production.

Iranian media reported that two projectiles landed near the Khondab nuclear facility in the Arak region. Authorities claimed precautionary evacuations had taken place and no casualties or radiation leaks were reported.

Global Powers Call for De-escalation

As the conflict threatens to spiral into a wider regional war, international powers are stepping in. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone call Thursday, during which they condemned Israel’s strikes and emphasized the need for urgent diplomatic efforts.

“The use of military force will not resolve the crisis surrounding Iran’s nuclear program,” said Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, summarizing the call. Xi also called on “major countries with influence” to intensify diplomatic initiatives—implicitly referencing the United States.

Outlook Uncertain as Diplomacy and Conflict Intersect

Despite the diplomatic push in Geneva, the military escalation on the ground shows no signs of abating. With nuclear sites now directly targeted and international bodies being drawn into the dispute, the potential for broader confrontation looms.

As Iran’s foreign minister prepares for Friday’s meeting, all eyes will be on whether diplomacy can gain traction amid one of the most dangerous escalations between Iran and Israel in recent history.