Escalating strikes between Israel and Iran spark global tensions

Israel launched a powerful attack on an Iranian nuclear facility on Thursday, intensifying a week of military operations that have devastated Iran’s defense leadership and nuclear infrastructure. In retaliation, Iranian missiles struck Israeli territory, including a hospital in the country’s south, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

The Israeli military confirmed that it targeted the Khondab nuclear reactor near Arak, including a heavy-water facility known for its potential to produce weapons-grade plutonium. Iranian outlets reported missile impacts near the site but stated there were no radiation leaks or casualties due to prior evacuations. Additional Israeli strikes hit the Natanz region, another key component of Iran’s nuclear program.

In response, Iran fired several missiles into Israel early Thursday, one of which damaged a hospital in Beersheba. Other missiles landed in densely populated areas, including Tel Aviv, where explosions and missile interceptions were seen and heard. Emergency teams reported five individuals in critical condition and dozens injured across three different locations, with rescue efforts ongoing in parts of south Tel Aviv.

Diplomatic zones in Tel Aviv, home to multiple European and African embassies, were located near the impact sites. Extensive damage was reported in Ramat Gan, a neighboring district, where emergency workers assisted residents, including children.

The escalating hostilities have sparked fears of drawing global powers into direct conflict, further destabilizing the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump has remained ambiguous about American involvement, stating, “I may do it. I may not,” during remarks outside the White House. He later hinted that Iranian officials expressed interest in negotiations, though he added, “it’s a little late.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, strongly rejected calls for surrender in a televised speech, warning that any U.S. military involvement would bring "irreparable damage." While Tehran insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, the International Atomic Energy Agency recently reported that Iran violated its non-proliferation commitments for the first time in two decades.

European diplomats, including the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Britain, are expected to meet their Iranian counterpart in Geneva in a last-ditch effort to bring Iran back to the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, internal debates continue within the U.S. administration. Some officials are urging a military response alongside Israel, while others caution against dragging the U.S. into another Middle Eastern war. Prominent Senate Democrats have called for a diplomatic approach and demanded that the administration seek congressional approval before any further action.

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the idea of Iran’s Supreme Leader being targeted, urging all sides to de-escalate and respect both Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear development and Israel’s security needs.

Since last Friday, Iran has fired approximately 400 missiles at Israel. Around 40 bypassed Israel's defenses, resulting in 24 civilian deaths. These strikes represent an unprecedented escalation, with Iranian projectiles causing significant casualties and damage for the first time in decades.

Israeli strikes have reportedly killed at least 224 people in Iran, most of them civilians. Iranian authorities have not updated their casualty figures in recent days.