The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel intensified on Monday, marking its fourth day of relentless military exchanges, with both nations escalating their campaigns as civilian casualties mount. What began as Israeli preemptive strikes on Friday has spiraled into a sustained barrage of missiles and airstrikes, showing no immediate signs of de-escalation.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, at least 224 people, predominantly civilians, have been killed since the conflict erupted, with many deaths attributed to Israeli airstrikes targeting military and infrastructure sites. In Israel, the death toll has reached over 20, with more than 300 injured as the conflict reaches unprecedented intensity.
On Sunday night and into Monday, Iranian forces launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks targeting civilian areas in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Petah Tikva, killing at least eight Israelis and injuring dozens. Israel retaliated with extensive airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and energy facilities, including targets in Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the Israeli Air Force had achieved “complete operational freedom” over Iranian airspace, striking key command centers, such as those of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported significant tactical gains, stating they had destroyed approximately 120 of Iran’s missile launchers—about one-third of its stockpile—over the four-day conflict. On Monday morning, Israeli forces intercepted weapons shipments, including trucks carrying surface-to-air missile launchers headed toward Tehran. On Sunday evening, Israeli jets destroyed over 20 surface-to-surface missiles before they could be launched, with around 50 aircraft striking 100 military targets in Isfahan, central Iran.
Both nations’ leaders have adopted increasingly defiant stances. Israel’s Defense Minister warned that Tehran’s population would “pay the price” for continued attacks, while Iran’s president called for national unity against what he described as Israel’s “genocidal aggression.”
The international community has expressed growing alarm over the conflict’s potential to destabilize West Asia. The G7 summit in Canada has prioritized the crisis, with leaders warning of the risk of a broader regional war. Diplomatic efforts, however, have stalled, as Iran refuses to negotiate under active attack. Russia has offered to mediate, but neither side has shown willingness to accept third-party intervention.
Nuclear concerns have further complicated the situation. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s Rafael Grossi confirmed no damage to Iran’s Fordow fuel enrichment plant or the Khondab heavy water reactor site, despite Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. However, Iranian parliamentarians are reportedly drafting legislation that could lead to Iran’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a move that would significantly heighten global tensions.
from National https://ift.tt/dl1AuTk