The war between Israel and Iran has entered its third day. So far, neither side is backing down. As a result, new attacks have killed or injured hundreds, drawing serious global concern.
Trump Urges Peace, Warns Iran
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called on both countries to stop fighting. In addition, he warned Iran not to attack American targets. On his platform, Truth Social, he wrote:
“We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place.â€
Trump claims he is leading peace efforts. However, his team faces major challenges as the war escalates.
Heavy Attacks, Civilian Suffering
On Saturday night, Israel bombed Iran’s military and energy infrastructure. For example, a strike near Tehran hit a fuel depot, sending flames into the sky.
The next day, Israel launched more air raids near suspected weapons factories. Civilians in those areas were told to evacuate.
In retaliation, Iran fired 70 missiles. Some broke through Israel’s defenses. As a consequence, four people died in a Palestinian-majority town near the Sea of Galilee. Another missile destroyed part of a building in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv.
This was one of the strongest missile strikes Israel has ever faced. Previously, attacks from Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen had never reached this scale.
Rising Death Toll
By Sunday, Iran’s missiles had killed 14 people in Israel. Three more were missing. Meanwhile, hundreds were injured.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Bat Yam site. He met rescue workers and said:
“Iran will pay a very heavy price for the murder of women, children, and other civilians.â€
According to Iran’s health ministry, 224 people have died since the war began. Furthermore, over 1,200 were injured. Officials say that more than 90% of the victims are civilians.
A man in Tehran described the horror:
“The blasts haven’t stopped. Children are crying. There’s a smell of death.â€
One of Israel’s strikes also killed Mohammad Kazemi, Iran’s head of intelligence for the Revolutionary Guards. In addition, two other generals died.
U.S. Response: Tough Talk, Cautious Action
That same night, Israel bombed more missile bases across Iran. Reportedly, Israeli forces were active over both Israeli and Iranian skies.
Trump attended the largest U.S. military parade in years. Later, he posted:
“If Iran attacks American targets, the U.S. will strike with unseen force.â€
Israel appears to seek U.S. support. Only U.S. weaponry can destroy deep underground nuclear sites like Fordow. However, Iran has avoided attacking U.S. bases or embassies.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran have failed. Nevertheless, Iran has not completely shut the door on diplomacy. Still, the loss of key leaders and facilities puts pressure on its regime.
Netanyahu openly supports regime change in Iran. On Fox News, he said Israel’s military actions could make that happen.
Trump, on the other hand, is more cautious. His team recently stopped a plan by Israel to kill Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They said it was too risky.
Talks Possible, Tensions High
Iran’s foreign minister offered a possible off-ramp. He said:
“If Israel stops, our responses will also stop.â€
This statement, while vague, could support Trump’s campaign promises of peace and fewer foreign wars.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has started passing indirect messages between both sides. Although this is not formal mediation, it may still help. According to Haaretz, Washington has urged both sides to avoid further escalation.
Trump has also spoken to global leaders. These include Vladimir Putin, Qatar’s emir, and Germany’s chancellor. These countries are either in touch with Iran or trying to restart peace talks.
Israeli Defense Under Stress
Even with advanced systems like Iron Dome, Israel could not intercept every missile.
An Israeli official explained:
“No system is perfect. When hundreds of missiles come, some will land.â€
Iran launched 270 missiles over two nights, along with many drones. Although Israel intercepted most, 22 missiles got through. One hit a refinery in Haifa. The Bazan Group confirmed no injuries, but pipelines were damaged.
Netanyahu defended the strikes. He believes Iran is close to building nuclear weapons. Therefore, he ordered attacks on military leaders, scientists, and strategic facilities.
Moreover, Israel’s military warned that more attacks are likely. Future targets include missile depots and dual-use sites. Civilians near these facilities have been told to evacuate.
Global Concern, Uncertain Future
As the fighting goes on, more people are dying. The war now risks spreading across the Middle East. Many world leaders are stepping in to help.
Trump says he wants peace. But violence still leads the way. The future depends on what both sides do next. For now, the world can only wait and hope.
Courtesy of The Guardian
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