Israel–Iran War Escalates

The conflict between Iran and Israel entered a dangerous new phase this week, as both nations ramped up their military operations, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths and widespread regional alarm.

In a dramatic overnight air campaign, the Israeli Air Force deployed over 60 fighter jets to carry out precision strikes deep inside Iranian territory, targeting nuclear facilities, missile storage sites, and defense installations in cities such as Tehran, Rasht, Kermanshah, and Tabriz. One of the key targets was Iran’s controversial Fordow nuclear facility, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that Israel is “fully capable of neutralizing any threat, even without U.S. support.”

The strikes were a direct retaliation to Iran’s earlier barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, which devastated several regions of Israel. Among the worst-hit was Beersheba, where the Soroka Medical Center sustained heavy damage from a Sejjil missile, injuring dozens of civilians and medical staff. The missile strike also caused a chemical leak, forcing emergency evacuations and temporary shutdown of hospital operations.

A Rising Civilian Cost

The human toll of the conflict continues to mount. Iranian authorities report 657 deaths, including women, children, and medical workers. In Israel, 24 confirmed fatalities have been recorded, with many more wounded.

Tehran and its surrounding cities are experiencing mass evacuations, especially in the wake of continuous Israeli airstrikes. Long queues are seen at petrol stations, while major areas face internet blackouts and electricity disruptions. The Iranian regime, in a bid to control public perception and prevent panic, has implemented a near-total internet shutdown.

Despite the destruction, Iran’s military leadership described their actions as “defensive and justified,” vowing to continue retaliation until Israeli aggression ceases. At the same time, Israel has intensified its strategy by continuing its targeted assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists. On Wednesday, a 10th scientist was reportedly killed in Tehran via a drone strike.

Diplomatic Efforts and Global Tensions

With fears of a regional war escalating, European powers are urging both nations to de-escalate. Foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany met with Iran’s delegation in Geneva this week in a high-stakes attempt to revive nuclear diplomacy and negotiate a ceasefire.

In Washington, President Trump is reportedly deliberating U.S. involvement, with some advisors urging a preemptive strike on Fordow. While the U.S. remains officially neutral, military assets in the region have been placed on alert.

Meanwhile, Russia has issued a stark warning, stating that any Israeli or allied attempts to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would trigger a catastrophic regional fallout. Inside Iran, political tensions are also rising. Analysts say Khamenei is now facing an internal leadership crisis, with hardliners, moderates, and military elites clashing over the next phase of response.