The conflict between Israel and Iran has sharply escalated, with both countries exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes over the weekend. Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites, killing at least 20 top Iranian commanders, including Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami and multiple nuclear scientists. In response, Iran fired more than 150 missiles at Israel, some of which hit buildings in Tel Aviv and northern cities, killing at least four people and injuring dozens.
Tehran confirmed that Israeli missiles struck oil depots and military facilities in the capital, causing fires and damage near Mehrabad Airport. Iran’s air defense reportedly shot down two Israeli fighter jets, though Israel has denied the claim. Meanwhile, missiles also struck Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, prompting Israeli civilians to seek shelter as air raid sirens echoed throughout the cities.
The Israeli military has stated that it is striking “dozens” of targets in Iran, including nuclear facilities in Isfahan and Natanz, with the aim of halting Iran’s alleged progress toward a nuclear weapon. In retaliation, Iran launched “Operation True Promise 3,” with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming it successfully hit military bases and defense industry sites deep inside Israel.
As a result of the escalating violence, nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which were scheduled to be held in Oman, have been cancelled. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that Israel would “regret” its aggression, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that the attacks were only the beginning of a larger operation called “Rising Lion.”
Meanwhile, global leaders and organizations, including the IAEA, have urged restraint. International flights over Iran, Iraq, and Syria have been disrupted due to airspace closures. The situation remains highly volatile, with both countries bracing for further strikes and the possibility of a wider regional war growing by the hour.