Eight days into the direct confrontation between Iran and Israel, there remains no indication of the conflict coming to an end.

This morning (Friday, June 20), Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting sites in Israel. In response, the Israeli military announced it had bombed dozens of military targets, including missile production facilities in Tehran.

Despite the escalation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran’s missile capabilities are a core national interest and are not open for negotiation.

He stated: “Let it be clear: we will not engage in any discussions with anyone regarding our missile program. If there were any doubts before, there are none now—Iran’s missile capability is an extraordinary defensive strength of the country.”

Meanwhile, an Israeli drone today targeted a building in Tehran’s Gheytarieh (Gisha) district.

Sources claim the target was an Iranian nuclear scientist, though Iranian officials have not yet commented on the report.

In parallel with these developments, hundreds of people in Iran, France, Malaysia, and Venezuela have taken to the streets to condemn Israel’s attacks on Iran.

Ridwan Hussein, a protester in Malaysia, said: “If this becomes World War III or not depends on America's reaction, although America says they won't join the war, we can see there are some sort of efforts (to help Israel) and it's some kind of a conspiracy.”

Jorge Rodríguez, a protester in Venezuela, said: "It’s (Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin) Netanyahu, the Nazi, the war criminal, it’s the Zionist entity that threatens peace in the Middle East and the entire planet. Enough of hypocrisy, the Europeans are shameful by staying silent or looking to another side."

On the other side, US President Donald Trump said that within the next two weeks he will decide whether or not the U.S. will intervene in the war.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said: ''Regarding the ongoing situation in Iran, I know there has been a lot of speculation amongst all of you in the media, regarding the president's decision making and whether or not the United States will be directly involved. In light of that news I have a message directly from the president and I quote: 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations, that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go, within the next two weeks.' That's a quote directly from the president for all of you today.''

Australia has also announced that due to the deteriorating security situation, it has closed its embassy in Tehran and evacuated its diplomats and their families.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated: “The Australian government has directed the departure of all Australian officials and dependents, and we have suspended our operations in Tehran.”

Meanwhile, in continuation of US military support for Israel, Washington has recently sent a new shipment of advanced military equipment to Tel Aviv.

American sources said the shipment includes precision-guided munitions and missile defense systems aimed at boosting Israel’s defensive capabilities amid regional threats.