The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated dramatically, with Iranian missiles targeting sites across Israel, killing at least three people and injuring dozens. This retaliatory strike comes in response to ongoing Israeli attacks on Iran, which have resulted in at least 78 deaths and over 320 injuries, including women and children.
Damaged buildings and vehicles are seen in the Israeli city of Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, caused by the fall of a missile fired by Iran. The UN chief has called for Israel and Iran to halt their escalating conflict, after the two countries exchanged a barrage of missiles.
The Iranian forces have shot down drones on a reconnaissance mission over northwestern Iran, according to state media.
“Islamic fighters [Iranian forces] in the Salmas border region successfully shot down Israeli drones that had violated the country’s airspace,” state television said, adding the “drones had entered Iranian airspace on espionage and reconnaissance missions”.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran, describing them as a “criminal assault” that “violates international law and the United Nations Charter”. Maduro also accused France, Germany, Britain, and the US of supporting “the 21st-century Hitler”, referring to Prime Minister Netanyahu, “against the noble and peaceful Iranian people”. “No to war, no to fascism, no to neo-Nazi Zionism,” Maduro said in a statement.
US President Donald Trump has flip-flopped on his stance regarding the conflict. Just hours before the strikes, Trump expressed reluctance for Israel to attack Iran, fearing it would disrupt nuclear talks. However, after the strikes, Trump called them “excellent” and blamed Iran for not accepting a US deal to halt uranium enrichment. Trump is now warning that further strikes will happen, saying it’s time for Iran to come back to make a deal.
Israel’s military has intercepted a number of aerial drones over the country’s central region, activating air raid alerts in several areas. No details were given on possible damage, casualties, or where the drones originated. Meanwhile, Iranian forces have shot down Israeli reconnaissance drones over northwestern Iran. According to state media, the drones had entered Iranian airspace on espionage and reconnaissance missions.
Analyst Shahram Akbarzadeh believes there are “more attacks to come” as Israel and Iran “settle in for the long haul”. He warns that the conflict could spread across the region and draw in the United States, with Israel potentially pushing for regime change in Iran. Akbarzadeh notes that Israel is “banking on this dynamic that once a conflict starts, the US has an obligation and commitment to Israeli security. So the US will be dragged into the conflict”.
Jordan has reopened its airspace after temporarily suspending flights due to the escalating tensions. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi is working to contain the “dangerous escalation” through diplomatic efforts, stressing the importance of halting aggression to prevent further bloodshed and loss of life.
Iran said it has fired hundreds of ballistic missiles towards Israel in retaliation for Israel’s attacks on its nuclear facilities and military leaders. Several Iranian missiles evaded Israel’s Iron Dome defence systems overnight and hit central Tel Aviv and other parts of the country. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said Tehran had crossed a red line by targeting civilian areas.