Escalation between Iran and Israel sparks regional fears

Tensions between Iran and Israel have reached new heights following a deadly exchange of missile strikes, marking the most direct confrontation between the two rivals in decades.

On Friday, Israel launched a large-scale aerial assault on Iranian territory, targeting key military and nuclear facilities, including the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), the Natanz uranium enrichment site, and two major fuel depots in the Tehran region. The Iranian government reported that the initial attacks killed 78 people and injured over 300, including top military commanders and nuclear scientists.

Smoke was seen rising over Iran’s capital, and residents rushed to gas stations fearing supply disruptions. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised further action, vowing to strike every target tied to Iran’s leadership.

In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at Israel, killing at least 10 people. The most devastating impact occurred in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, where six people died and dozens were injured. In northern Israel, a strike on the town of Tamra claimed the lives of four women.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards responded by striking Israeli refueling sites, while warning of a broader retaliation if Israeli attacks continued. Tehran also accused the United States of supporting Israel, claiming it had “solid proof” of American involvement. However, U.S. President Donald Trump denied any direct role in the Israeli operation but warned that any Iranian attack on American interests would trigger a powerful response.

Despite international calls for restraint, the violence continued. Iran suspended nuclear talks with the U.S., citing the ongoing attacks. Yemen’s Huthi rebels, aligned with Iran, also launched missiles at Israel in coordination with Iranian military operations.

World leaders, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urged both sides to de-escalate. The UK announced the deployment of fighter jets to the region as a precautionary measure.

This confrontation has heightened fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East, with both countries now warning of stronger retaliation if attacks persist.