Missile Exchanges and Mass Protests as Iran FM Heads to Geneva

In the second week of the Iran-Israel conflict, both sides continued to exchange rocket and airstrikes at night. Incoming missiles set off sirens over central areas before they were intercepted, and counter-strikes damaged missile and nuclear installations deep inside Iranian territory. A prominent rights group estimates that nearly 639 Iranians including senior military and nuclear officials have been killed, and over two dozen Israeli civilians were killed in counter-strikes.

In Geneva on Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met EU, French, German and British counterparts in the first direct discussions since fighting began. He repeated that diplomacy will resume only if attacks on Iran cease, a stance European officials have called a precondition still to be met.

In their own country, half a million Iranians swarmed into the streets after Tehran's Friday prayers, repeating slogans of solidarity and holding up pictures of commanders killed in the attacks. The same took place in Baghdad and Beirut, reflecting broader regional opposition and support of Tehran's line.

Meanwhile, the American government has so far shied away from military action directly. The White House indicated President Trump would decide within two weeks on approving strikes against Iran, and nations are rushing evacuation of citizens from both countries. As demonstrations grow, tensions grow higher in the region, and diplomacy is stuck in tight preconditions, the war has no short-term means to wind down.