Israel‑Iran air war intensifies

Israeli warplanes strike deep into Iranian territory during escalating air conflict, with explosions lighting up the skyline in Isfahan as tensions reach a critical point.

Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes deep into Iranian territory overnight, escalating the already volatile military confrontation between the two arch-enemies. Key strategic targets, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility and military installations in Isfahan and Shiraz, were hit by precision-guided munitions, according to Israeli sources. The attacks reportedly killed several members of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps, including at least one high-ranking commander. Iranian state media confirmed explosions in multiple cities but claimed the strikes were “repelled” and damage was “limited.” In response, Iran launched dozens of surface-to-surface missiles toward Israeli military bases in the Negev Desert and northern Galilee. Sirens wailed across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as the Iron Dome intercepted several incoming projectiles, but casualties were reported in Haifa where a missile struck a residential area, killing at least four civilians and injuring dozens.

The United Nations called for immediate de-escalation as global powers expressed alarm over the conflict's widening scope. U.S. officials confirmed they were in contact with both sides to urge restraint, but also hinted at contingency plans for military intervention if American assets in the region are threatened. Meanwhile, oil prices surged and global markets tumbled in response to fears of a prolonged Middle East war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue operations “until Iran’s nuclear threat is neutralized,” while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Israel of “terrorism against the Islamic world” and vowed revenge. Analysts warn the current trajectory could ignite a broader regional war involving Hezbollah, U.S. bases in the Gulf, and Iranian proxies across the Middle East.