Bombardments and Deaths as Israel and Iran Continues Onslaught

The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with both countries exchanging attacks and causing significant damage and loss of life. Iran has launched a new wave of ballistic missile attacks on Israel, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing at least eight people. The Israeli military had previously bombed the Iranian capital, Tehran, resulting in over 220 deaths, including 70 women and children.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Israel’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites pose a significant threat to safety and security. Rory Challands, reporting from Vienna, Austria, noted that while above-ground buildings at the Natanz nuclear facility were destroyed, there is no indication of damage to the underground main cascade hall. However, the IAEA expects radiological or chemical contamination in the form of vapors or gases, which can be managed with proper safety measures.

The global community is growing increasingly concerned about the implications of this conflict. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) Yearbook highlights the world’s shift towards a new nuclear arms race, with world military spending rising by 37% in the past decade and 9.4% last year alone, reaching $2.7 trillion. SIPRI director Dan Smith emphasized that the likelihood of nuclear weapons being used is increasing, with countries upgrading their nuclear capabilities.

Andreas Krieg, associate professor in security studies at King’s College London, warned that direct US involvement in the conflict could lead to a major escalation of strikes and IRGC activities across the Gulf against shipping and energy infrastructure. Krieg noted that the US would only get involved if it was willing to bear the costs of regime change, which would contradict Trump’s “America First” agenda.

However, Krieg sees a possible diplomatic off-ramp if Trump reins in Netanyahu and pressures Israel to cease operations and return to the negotiation table. “Iran would have to be able to build a victory narrative and then trust the Americans enough to keep Netanyahu in check,” he added.

The conflict has also exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Israeli forces killing starving aid seekers. Gaza’s Civil Defence reported that at least 20 Palestinians were shot dead and hundreds wounded while waiting for food at a GHF distribution site. The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, slammed Israel’s conduct in the besieged Gaza Strip, saying, “Israel’s means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza.”

Turk also expressed deep concern over the exchange of fire between Israel and Iran, urging them to engage in “urgent diplomatic negotiations to end these attacks and find a way forward”. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasized the need for full respect of international law by both sides, particularly the protection of civilians in densely populated areas.