The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has sharply intensified, with both nations trading heavy fire for a third consecutive day, raising fears of a broader regional war. On Sunday, air raid sirens and explosions echoed across Israel, including in major cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, as Iranian strikes killed at least ten people. Millions of Israelis sought shelter as the barrage of attacks escalated.
The crisis was triggered on Friday when Israel launched a massive offensive on Iranian military and nuclear sites, reportedly killing 78 people and injuring more than 300. Tehran responded by striking Israeli military facilities, including air refuelling sites. The Revolutionary Guards confirmed the targeting of key Israeli positions, while Yemen’s Iran-aligned Huthi rebels also claimed to have launched missiles at Israel.
Israel has since expanded its military targets in Iran, hitting oil infrastructure and air defence systems. Notably, Israeli strikes on Sunday ignited fires at two fuel depots in northwest Tehran. Iranian media also reported an Israeli attack on the defence ministry’s headquarters in the capital, though officials have remained tight-lipped.
The attacks come at a time of fragile nuclear diplomacy. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of crossing a “new red line” by targeting nuclear facilities, warning that Tehran would reduce cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog. Talks between Iran and the US scheduled for Sunday in Oman have been suspended, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stating negotiations would not resume while Israel continues its military campaign.
International reactions have been swift, urging de-escalation. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly agreed during a phone call that the conflict must end. However, Trump also warned Iran against targeting American interests, threatening overwhelming retaliation.
As the fiercest military exchange ever seen between Israel and Iran unfolds, regional players like Iraq are scrambling to mediate and avoid being drawn into the confrontation. With diplomacy faltering and military actions widening, fears of a full-scale Middle Eastern war are growing by the hour
