The recent escalation between Israel and Iran has sparked fresh fears of all-out war in the region. Israel’s military says it “continues to strike” Iranian military targets after carrying out waves of strikes on Iran overnight, targeting nuclear sites and military chiefs. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claims the strikes were a “necessary action” in response to the growing Iranian threat.
“Videos are circulating online and on some Iranian media outlets that show Tehran being targeted for the second time today.”
“There have also been citizens saying that they have heard explosions in western Tehran, as well as other parts of the city.”
“Meanwhile, state TV has not been reporting on the new videos that have been circulating that show the alleged strikes. Instead, outlets have invited one Iranian official after another, each of them vowing revenge on Israel”
According to the IDF, Revolutionary Guard chief Hossein Salami and other senior military figures were killed in the strikes. Iran says six scientists have been killed, with state media reporting that civilians, including children, are among the dead – although this has not been independently verified.
The new head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Mohammad Pakpour, has vowed “huge and destructive consequences” for Israel, stating that Iran will “avenge” those killed in the attack.
US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the conflict, urging Iran to make a deal on its nuclear program. “Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,” he said.
Trump described the Israeli strikes as “excellent” and “very successful,” adding that Iran “got hit hard, very hard. They got hit about as hard as you’re going to get hit. And there’s more to come. A lot more.”
The international community has responded to the crisis, with world leaders calling for restraint on both sides. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have condemned Iran’s nuclear program while reaffirming Israel’s right to defend itself.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Iran and Israel to “step back and reduce tensions urgently.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has denounced the Israeli strikes as a “clear provocation that disregards international law”.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation. Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, has claimed that Iran has enough material for “multiple nuclear weapons” and that Israel acted to protect its citizens. “We won’t sit quietly while our people are targeted, not again, not ever. Empty words will not stop Iran. Israel will,” he said.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian impact is becoming increasingly apparent. Iranian state media reports that more than 70 people have been killed in the Israeli strikes, although these figures have not been independently verified. The oil price has jumped almost 7% in response to the crisis, with benchmark Brent Crude rising to almost $73 a barrel.