Tehran: Tensions in West Asia have reached alarming levels as hostilities between Iran and Israel enter their third consecutive day. The intensifying conflict has sparked regional and international concerns, with escalating violence claiming hundreds of lives and causing widespread destruction.
The latest Israeli airstrikes have killed Brigadier General Mohammad Qasemi, head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Intelligence, and his deputy, General Hassan Mohaqiq. Iranian media also reported the targeted killings of several nuclear scientists, fueling speculation that Israel is systematically dismantling Iran’s strategic infrastructure.
Iran’s Ministry of Health confirmed that at least 224 people have died and over 1,200 have been injured since the renewed clashes began. Panic is mounting in the capital, Tehran, with civilians fleeing en masse as missile strikes have grown more frequent. One of the blasts reportedly damaged the Foreign Ministry building, while Mashhad Airport—a key logistical hub was struck, resulting in the destruction of an aircraft refueling unit.
In retaliation, Iran has launched a series of missile attacks targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, leaving many wounded and causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim they have intercepted and destroyed over 100 Iranian drones, showcasing the scale of the aerial conflict.
Amid the chaos, U.S. President Donald Trump has urged both nations to consider a truce, drawing a parallel to the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan. However, Iran insists it will only cease its strikes if Israel halts its aggression. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has doubled down on his rhetoric, warning Iran of severe consequences if attacks continue: “Tehran will pay a heavy price.”
Diplomatic efforts led by Qatar and Oman to mediate a ceasefire have so far been rejected by Iran, signaling a prolonged conflict with little room for negotiation. The fighting has also rattled global markets, with crude oil prices surging, as Israeli strikes reportedly targeted Iran’s vital oil, gas, and nuclear facilities.
With both nations digging in, and the risk of wider regional fallout looming, the world watches nervously as one of the most volatile geopolitical flashpoints spirals toward a potentially catastrophic escalation.