Israel and Iran exchanged a fresh wave of missile attacks over the weekend, significantly heightening fears of a broader regional war. Israeli missiles targeted two energy facilities in southern Iran, prompting a massive Iranian retaliation. Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, resulting in casualties and major destruction, including hits on an oil refinery and the prestigious Weizmann Institute of Science.
Deadliest Night Unfolds as Civilian Toll Rises and Regime Tensions Surface in Iran
Iran’s counterattack marked the deadliest night for Israel since the fighting began. At least ten people, including children, were killed and hundreds injured. Strikes hit a residential area in Bat Yam and severely damaged facilities in Haifa and Rehovot. Sirens blared across northern and central Israel as missiles breached air defenses. The Israeli death toll since Friday rose to 13, with hundreds more wounded.
While exact figures from Iran remain unclear, reports suggest at least 78 people were killed, including high-ranking military generals and nuclear scientists. Explosions rocked Tehran, with Israeli officials claiming to have struck Iran’s nuclear command centers. Public sentiment in Iran appeared mixed, with some citizens privately expressing relief or joy at the loss of controversial figures, signaling deep internal discontent with the ruling regime.
Regional Conflict Intensifies as Diplomacy Falters and Global Powers Urge Immediate De-escalation
The conflict threatens to spread, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels confirming their role in launching missiles at Israel in solidarity with Iran. Their involvement, alongside Iranian and Israeli direct strikes, raises fears of a broader confrontation across the Middle East. Both nations have targeted critical energy infrastructure, intensifying the stakes and economic repercussions of the conflict.
World leaders have issued urgent appeals for restraint. Former U.S. President Trump denied American involvement in the Israeli attack but warned Iran against provoking the U.S. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Pope Leo XIV all emphasized the need for diplomacy. The situation has prompted fears of a collapse in diplomatic progress, particularly on the Iran nuclear deal.
The conflict erupted just as the U.S. and Iran were scheduled to resume nuclear negotiations in Oman. The talks, aimed at limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for lifting sanctions, were abruptly canceled.
Israel justified its initial attack, citing intelligence that Iran was nearing nuclear weapon capability. Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed the assault had been planned for months and connected it to broader efforts to dismantle Iran’s regional influence.