Washington: The war between Iran and Israel has entered its second week with intense airstrikes, missile attacks and rising fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East. The situation escalated further after United States President Donald Trump demanded what he called an unconditional surrender from Iran.
Heavy fighting continued across several areas as Israel launched massive airstrikes targeting military bases, missile sites and security facilities in western Iran and near the capital Tehran. Israeli officials said the strikes were aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to launch further missile attacks.
Reports from Iran said several explosions were heard in and around Tehran, including near the Mehrabad airport area. Fires were seen at some locations after the strikes. Iranian authorities said air defence systems were activated in several regions as the attacks continued.
Iran responded by launching waves of missiles and drones toward Israel. Air raid sirens were heard in major Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as people rushed to shelters. Israeli defence systems intercepted many of the missiles, but some strikes caused damage and injuries.
The conflict has also spread beyond the two countries. Armed groups allied with Iran have joined the fighting, including Hezbollah fighters from Lebanon. Israel has carried out retaliatory strikes in parts of Lebanon after rockets were fired toward its territory.
United States President Donald Trump has taken a strong position in the conflict. He said there would be no negotiations with Iran unless the country accepts unconditional surrender. Trump also said the United States and its allies could help rebuild Iran after the conflict if its leadership agrees to major political changes.
Iran rejected the demand and said its leadership and national decisions would be determined only by the Iranian people. Iranian officials also warned that continued attacks could lead to a wider regional war.
The fighting has already caused heavy human losses. Reports indicate that more than a thousand people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began, while casualties have also been reported in Israel. Thousands of people across the region have been forced to leave their homes due to the attacks.
The war is also affecting the global economy. Oil prices have risen as markets fear possible disruption to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes.
With airstrikes and missile attacks continuing on both sides, world leaders are calling for restraint. However, there are growing concerns that the conflict could expand further and involve more countries in the region.