A fresh round of military exchanges has erupted between Iran and Israel, with each side launching missiles and airstrikes that deepen the crisis and stall diplomatic efforts.
At a Glance
- Israel intensified strikes on Iran’s missile facilities and military sites in Tehran and Rasht
- In response, Iran fired ballistic missiles and drones into Israel, with some missiles breaching air defenses over Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem
- Casualties include dozens dead: several hundred in Iran from Israeli strikes and 24 civilians in Israel from Iranian missiles
- U.S. has positioned B‑2 bombers in Guam as President Trump weighs joining the conflict
- Diplomatic channels are faltering—Europe’s talks paused, Iran refuses negotiation under attack
Overnight Strike-and-Retaliate Cycle
Israel launched another wave of airstrikes targeting missile depots and launch sites in central Iran, including Tehran and Rasht. Iran retaliated with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, some of which penetrated defense shields in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem—triggering air raid sirens, according to Reuters.
Watch a report: Iranian missile wave hits Israel
Rising Toll on Civilians and Combatants
The conflict has incurred heavy casualties on both sides. Iranian sources report hundreds killed in Israeli airstrikes—including military leaders and infrastructure—while Israel confirms at least 24 civilian fatalities and dozens of injuries due to missile debris and interceptions in major cities, as reported by The Guardian.
U.S. Escalation Risk
The U.S. has deployed B‑2 stealth bombers near the Pacific to signal support for Israel. President Trump is keeping open the possibility of expanded U.S. military involvement. Iran, however, has issued firm warnings against such escalation, according to The Guardian.
Diplomacy on Life Support
Efforts by European leaders to broker a ceasefire have stalled. Iran maintains it will not resume nuclear talks while Israeli strikes continue, creating a diplomatic deadlock that risks drawing in more regional actors, as detailed by Times of India.
This intensifying exchange marks a dangerous turning point. As military actions and rhetoric escalate, the risk of a broader regional war grows sharply—with diplomacy failing to catch up.
