The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated into an all-out war, with both countries exchanging attacks and retaliations. The situation on the ground is dire, with thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The Israeli strikes have resulted in widespread destruction, with entire residential buildings levelled in the capital. Military sites and air defence batteries have also been targeted, and above-ground facilities supporting nuclear enrichment halls have been bombed.
According to reports, the Israeli strikes on Iran have killed over 639 people, including top generals and scientists, but also civilians. The Iranian government has put the death toll at 224 and 1,277 injuries.
Tehran was in shock the first morning after the attacks, as people struggled to process the terrifying news and evaluate their options while the authorities scrambled to mount a concerted response to the surprise hits.
Iran has retaliated by launching hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel, some of which have penetrated Israel’s vaunted aerial defence system, killing two dozen people so far. The region is already on edge as Israel seeks to annihilate the Hamas militant group, an Iranian ally, in the Gaza Strip, where war still rages after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel.
The international community is calling for restraint, with President His Highness Shaikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan leading intensive diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing the spread of the conflict.
Through robust diplomatic engagement, Shaikh Mohamed seeks to promote dialogue and reject violence, reinforcing the UAE’s long-standing role as a stabilising force in the region through diplomacy.
The conflict has also had a significant impact on the economy, with oil prices rising and trade disrupted. The Iranian economy is already struggling under the weight of US sanctions, and the conflict has further exacerbated the situation.
Israel vows to keep striking Iranian military, nuclear, and government sites, including infrastructure in Tehran. Meanwhile, Iran feels pressure to retaliate to preserve credibility, especially with a restive population.
The death toll continues to rise, with at least 639 people killed in Iran and 24 civilians killed in Israel. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned of the danger of “radiological and chemical contamination” inside Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility following Israeli attacks. However, there is currently no change to radioactivity outside the site.
The United Nations is urging peace efforts to prevail in the Middle East. Russian and Turkish leaders have also called for an immediate end to hostilities. US President Donald Trump remains a wildcard, and his potential involvement in the conflict could escalate the situation further.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that US involvement in the conflict would be “very, very dangerous for everyone”.