By Mehr News Agency, CC BY 4.0-Wikipedia
Israel has launched a third consecutive day of airstrikes across Iran, escalating a rapidly intensifying conflict that has already left scores dead and wounded on both sides. The Israeli military warned of even more devastating attacks to come, as several Iranian missiles penetrated Israel’s air defenses and struck targets deep inside the country.
Tensions surged across the Middle East after Israel’s initial surprise offensive on Friday targeted Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, killing senior generals and nuclear scientists. Since then, neither country has shown any willingness to de-escalate, raising fears of a prolonged and destabilizing regional war.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that Tehran would halt its retaliatory measures if Israel ceased its attacks. However, he confirmed that Israeli strikes had recently hit oil refineries near Tehran and in Bushehr province along the Gulf coast. In response, Iran has launched strikes of its own, reportedly hitting Israeli “economic” targets, though officials did not specify which facilities were affected.
The intensifying conflict has sparked concerns over a broader campaign against Iran’s already heavily sanctioned energy sector, which could send shockwaves through global oil markets.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have stalled. A planned round of negotiations in Oman was abruptly canceled after Tehran dismissed the talks as “meaningless.” U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his strong backing for Israel’s military actions, but also urged Iran to return to the negotiating table, warning that further devastation could be avoided only through a new nuclear agreement.
The human cost of the conflict continues to climb. Iranian officials report that at least 80 people have been killed in the Israeli attacks over the past 48 hours, with more than 800 wounded — including 20 children. In Israel, Iranian missile strikes overnight killed 10 people, raising the total death toll there to 13.
Israel’s main international airport remains closed for a third consecutive day, as its airspace remains off-limits amid the ongoing hostilities. The unfolding crisis marks one of the gravest confrontations in the region in years, with no clear off-ramp in sight.
