Israel-Iran Conflict Intensifies with Mutual Retaliation

Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's overnight airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, scientists, and senior military commanders. Some missiles hit Israel, causing damage and injuring 21 people, with two in serious condition. Israel's Iron Dome defense system intercepted most of the missiles. The Iranian attack was in response to Israel's "Operation Rising Lion," which involved over 200 airstrikes on Iran, killing 78 people and injuring over 320. Israel's operation targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, senior military commanders, and research scientists, and is expected to continue for days. The US helped Israel intercept Iranian missiles, but was not involved in Israel's strikes on Iran.

The recent exchange of air strikes between Israel and Iran has raised concerns about potential escalation. Worst-case scenarios include the US being dragged into the conflict, with Iran targeting American forces and interests in the Middle East. The Gulf nations could also be pulled in, with Iran targeting softer targets in the region, prompting a US response. If Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities fails, it could lead to Iran accelerating its nuclear program, potentially sparking a cycle of retaliation. The conflict could also cause a global economic shock, with rising oil prices and disruptions to shipping in the Red Sea. Additionally, if Israel succeeds in its aim of regime change in Iran, it could create a power vacuum, leading to civil conflict and unforeseen consequences. The outcome depends on Iran's retaliation and the US's ability to restrain Israel.

Israelis in the city of Rishon LeZion surveyed damage after an Iranian missile strike on Saturday, which killed two people and injured 19 others. The missile hit the city just south of Tel Aviv, causing widespread destruction, including shattered windows, damaged cars, and caved-in roofs. Residents were forced to flee their homes and seek shelter, with many packing up what they could and deciding where to stay in the coming days. The strike was part of a broader conflict between Israel and Iran, with Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" having begun on Friday, targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, and resulting in significant casualties on the Iranian side.

Airspace was closed over Israel, Jordan, Iran, and Iraq after Israel launched a major military operation against Iran, targeting nuclear sites and other locations. Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport was shut down, with all flights canceled until further notice. Several major international carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, and Lufthansa, canceled, delayed, or redirected flights. US carriers Delta and United also suspended flights between Tel Aviv and the US. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation, called "Operation Rising Lion," aimed to "roll back the Iranian threat to Israel's very survival." Iran responded by launching over 100 drones at Israel, with President Mahsoud Pezeshkian promising a "severe, wise and strong answer." Israel claimed to have intercepted many of the drones.

Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, targeting its energy industry and Defense Ministry headquarters, in response to which Iran fired a fresh barrage of missiles, killing four people in Israel. The exchange comes as US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman were called off. Israel's military said it was striking "military targets" in Tehran, where witnesses reported hearing explosions. Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed its missiles targeted Israeli fuel production facilities. Israel's defense minister warned that "Tehran will burn" if Iran continues firing missiles at Israel. The strikes have halted US-Iran diplomacy, with Oman's foreign minister saying talks "will not now take place." Both sides said their attacks would continue, raising the prospect of another protracted Mideast conflict.

The Israeli military launched dozens of preemptive airstrikes, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion," targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, research scientists, and senior military commanders early Friday morning. The IDF said it dropped over 330 munitions on more than 100 targets in Iran, prompting Iran to launch around 100 missiles at Israel in retaliation. The IDF's Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted most of the missiles, with assistance from the US. The strikes targeted several key Iranian nuclear sites, including the Natanz enrichment facility, Fordow enrichment facility, and the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center. The Natanz facility, Iran's main enrichment site, was severely damaged, with the above-ground portion where Iran was producing uranium enriched up to 60% being "destroyed." The attacks came after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) censured Iran for not cooperating with inspectors, and Iran announced plans to establish a third enrichment site and upgrade its centrifuges.

Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, scientists, and senior military commanders. The Israeli military said 200 fighter jets struck over 100 targets in Iran, including sites in Tehran and Natanz, a key uranium enrichment site. The strikes damaged Natanz's underground enrichment hall and dismantled a facility producing metallic uranium. The IDF also reported killing several high-ranking Iranian military officials. Iran responded by launching over 100 drones at Israel, many of which were intercepted. The US was not involved in the Israeli strikes, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the operation was not coordinated with the US.

The Trump administration informed US allies in the Middle East about Israel's strikes on Iran in advance, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (not Marco Rubio, who is not the Secretary of State) personally reaching out to some allies to convey that the strikes were not a US operation and that the US preferred diplomacy to military force. The US had advance notice of Israel's plan to strike Iran but was not militarily involved, although it helped Israel intercept Iranian missiles fired in retaliation. The strikes and subsequent Iranian retaliation have raised concerns among US allies in the region about a wider war and unintended consequences, particularly given the presence of US forces in several countries. The US is seeking to negotiate a deal with Iran to limit its nuclear program, with talks scheduled for Sunday, although some Iranian media outlets have indicated that Iran may no longer participate.

Iran and Israel have launched a fresh wave of missile strikes against each other, with projectiles seen over Jerusalem, Haifa, and the West Bank. Iran claims Israel launched drones at a gas field, among other targets, prompting retaliation. The strikes have resulted in large explosions being heard in Tel Aviv and significant concern about potential further escalation, including calls for "crushing revenge" from Iranians following an unprecedented Israeli attack that reportedly targeted top military leaders and nuclear scientists.

Iran and Israel have traded strikes, with Iran launching drone and missile strikes on Israel and Israel responding with an "extensive series of intelligence-based strikes" on targets in Tehran, including the Iranian Ministry of Defense headquarters. The death toll from Iranian strikes on Israel has risen to eight, while at least 78 people have been killed in Iran during the recent flare-up in hostilities. Israel's operation against Iran is expected to take "weeks, not days" and has implicit US approval, according to White House and Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel will "strike every site and every target of the Ayatollah's regime." Iran has threatened to intensify its attacks if Israel continues hostilities, and the next round of US-Iran nuclear negotiations has been canceled due to the ongoing conflict. The strikes have caused significant damage and casualties on both sides, with videos showing large fires and destruction in Tehran and Israeli cities. The situation remains tense, with both countries vowing to continue their military actions.

Iran fired 100 ballistic missiles at Israel, with 5-7 penetrating Israel's missile defense shield, in retaliation for Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear program. Israel's defense systems intercepted many of the missiles, but five people were hospitalized, including two with serious injuries, and four others were treated for anxiety. The US assisted Israel in shooting down Iranian missiles and is working to protect American citizens and assets in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's objective is to remove Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile threat.

Analysts say Israel's recent precision strike on Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure may create a strategic opportunity for the US to pressure Tehran into a new nuclear agreement. The Israeli operation, carried out in coordination with the US, has weakened Iran's capabilities and may prompt Tehran to negotiate. Experts believe that the strike, combined with US diplomatic efforts, could lead to a more favorable nuclear deal. The US assisted Israel in intercepting Iranian missile attacks, demonstrating American commitment without escalating the situation. Analysts suggest that the current situation presents a "bad cop, good cop" scenario, with Israel applying military pressure and the US positioned to extract diplomatic gains.

A senior Israeli intelligence official told Fox News that Israel has more planned attacks coming for Iran, as part of its ongoing "Operation Rising Lion," saying "We have more surprises coming up." Israel launched the operation to counter its assessment that Iran's arsenal of ballistic missiles will grow from 2,000 to 8,000 over the next two years. The official reported that 40 Iranian air defense systems have been targeted, and that the conflict could be wrapped up in a matter of days, thanks in part to coordination with the US, stating "The U.S. is fully coordinated with us..."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Iranian people to "stand up" to their regime after Israel carried out strikes on Iran's nuclear and military facilities. Netanyahu said Israel's goal was to thwart Iran's nuclear and missile threats, which he argued weakens the regime and presents an opportunity for dissidents to bring about regime change. Minority groups in Iran, who make up around 50% of the population, have a history of opposing the regime and could potentially play a critical role in toppling it. Netanyahu's comments come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, with experts warning that Iran may retaliate against Israel and potentially target US bases.

Tensions between the US and Iran remain high following Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, with Iran threatening to target US bases in the Middle East. Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that "all US bases are within our reach, and we will boldly target them in host countries" if Israel strikes Iran again. The US has around 40,000 service members stationed in the Middle East, with at least 19 military sites across the region, many within striking range of Iran. The Trump administration has authorized a partial evacuation of the US embassy in Iraq and allowed military dependents to leave the region. Iran expert Benham Ben Taleblu believes that Iran is capable of launching attacks on US bases and is trying to create distance between the US and Israel.

Ali Shamkhani, a top advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and former Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his home in Tehran. Shamkhani held various high-ranking positions in Iran's military and government, including commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Ground Forces and minister of defense. His death is considered a significant blow to Iran's military leadership and a strategic escalation by Israel aimed at destabilizing the Iranian regime. Experts say the strike highlights Israel's threat to Iran's power structure and may lead to further retaliation from Iran.

Israel's recent attack on Iran was not only driven by concerns over Iran's nuclear program, but also by a desire to lay the groundwork for regime change in Tehran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Iranians to overthrow their "evil and oppressive regime", suggesting that Israel's attack could pave the way for their freedom. The attack targeted senior leaders and bases of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful branch of the Iranian military that is loyal to the ruling regime and plays a key role in suppressing dissent. While it is uncertain whether a coherent opposition movement will emerge, Israel's actions may have created an opportunity for Iranians to challenge the regime, although the regime is likely to respond with brutality and there is no clear leader to unify the opposition.

Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran, targeting two major energy facilities in Tehran, including the Shahran fuel and gasoline depot and the Shahr Rey oil refinery, causing massive explosions and fires. The attacks, which also hit sites related to Iran's nuclear program, represent a significant escalation in Israel's military campaign against Tehran and have spread fear among residents, with concerns over fuel shortages and damage to residential areas.

Israel and Iran have exchanged a new round of strikes, escalating the Middle East crisis. Israel launched a broad attack on Iran, targeting its energy industry and Defence Ministry headquarters, while Iran retaliated with missile strikes that killed at least eight people in Israel, including children, and injured many others. The strikes come two days after a surprise Israeli attack aimed at Iran's nuclear programme. Residential buildings were destroyed in Israel, with at least 35 people reported missing in one city, and casualty figures were not immediately available in Iran.

US President Trump is maintaining an ambiguous stance on Israel's recent attack on Iran, allowing him to be perceived as the "good cop" to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's "bad cop." Trump's social media posts suggest he advised Israel against striking Iran, but he is now claiming the attack makes a deal with Iran more likely due to increased pressure. However, many regional watchers are skeptical, and Iran may instead opt to respond with asymmetric operations or seek support from China and Russia, potentially escalating the conflict further, with some US politicians and Netanyahu pushing for regime change in Iran.

US President Donald Trump claimed he would make the world safer during his presidency, but the reality is mixed. Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza continue to escalate, with Russia launching a large number of drones and missiles at Ukraine and a high number of weapons-wounded patients being received at a Red Cross hospital in Gaza. However, there have been some positive developments, including nuclear talks between the US and Iran and the lifting of sanctions on Syria. Trump's "peace through strength" approach relies on his personality and direct diplomacy, but critics argue that his methods are too simplistic and lack detail. His administration has also cut aid to UN agencies and dismantled the US aid agency USAID, exacerbating tensions and deepening suffering in some regions. Overall, the impact of Trump's presidency on global safety is debated, with some arguing that he is making progress, while others see him as making the world more dangerous.

President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 50-minute phone call to discuss escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as Ukraine peace talks. Trump said Putin called to wish him a happy birthday and to discuss Iran, a country Putin "knows very well." The two leaders expressed concern over the conflict in the Middle East, with Putin reiterating Russia's proposal to seek mutually acceptable solutions on the Iranian nuclear issue. They also discussed Ukraine peace talks, including a prisoner swap, with Trump noting his interest in a speedy end to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a one-hour phone call in which they agreed that the conflict between Israel and Iran should end. Trump also told Putin that his war in Ukraine should end. The call came as Iran retaliated against Israel's attack on its nuclear sites, resulting in casualties on both sides. Putin briefed Trump on his recent talks with Israeli and Iranian leaders, and the US has stated it remains committed to future nuclear talks with Iran despite cancelling a meeting scheduled for Sunday.