The situation between Israel and Iran has escalated to a dangerously volatile level, marking one of the most intense direct confrontations between the two nations in recent history. Here are the key developments summarized:
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Massive Missile Exchange:In the early hours of Saturday, Iran launched a large-scale missile and rocket assault on Israel, dubbed "Operation True Promise", killing at least 3 people and injuring around 34, as several projectiles bypassed the Iron Dome defense system. Explosions were reported in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and central Israel.
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Israel's Retaliation:Israel responded with its largest offensive ever against Iran, named "Operation Rising Lion", striking multiple targets including nuclear facilities, military leadership, and critical infrastructure. At least 78 Iranians, mostly civilians, were reportedly killed, and over 320 injured. Among the dead were three top Iranian generals:
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Gen. Mohammad Bagheri – overseer of Iran’s entire armed forces
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Gen. Hossein Salami – commander of the Revolutionary Guard
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Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh – head of the Guard’s ballistic missile program
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Third Wave of Israeli Strikes:Later on Saturday, Israel conducted a third round of airstrikes on Tehran, with multiple explosions reported near Mehrabad Airport, a sensitive site near leadership compounds and a key air base. Fires were seen at the site, according to Iranian media.
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Iran's Vow of Retaliation:Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to “inflict heavy blows” on Israel, calling the recent Israeli aggression an “act of war” that will bring the “Zionist regime to ruin.”
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Netanyahu’s Warning:Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu declared the offensive was “just beginning,” asserting that Israel is targeting Iran’s “murderous Islamic regime” and its nuclear ambitions. He said the strikes are to eliminate an “existential threat.”
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US Involvement & Trump’s Statement:The United States has deployed missile defense systems in the region to assist in intercepting Iranian missiles but claims not to be directly involved in the fighting. Donald Trump, speaking from the sidelines, claimed he had tried to prevent the escalation and still sees a chance for a nuclear deal with Iran:
“They can still work out a deal, however, it’s not too late.”
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Nuclear Talks Collapse:Iran has declared that ongoing US-Iran nuclear talks are now "meaningless" in light of Israel’s military strikes, accusing the US of double standards by simultaneously pushing for dialogue and allowing Israel to carry out attacks.
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Background to the Attack:Israeli officials revealed the plan for the assault had been in place since November 2024, following the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Israel reportedly used smuggled drones and warplanes to strike deep inside Iran.
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Diplomatic Pressure:The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for both nations to cease hostilities and return to diplomacy. However, Israel’s UN envoy declared the country will continue operations until all “threats in Iran” are neutralized.
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India’s Role:Prime Minister Modi spoke with Netanyahu during the crisis. India expressed deep concern, urging both countries to avoid escalation and emphasizing the need for restraint and dialogue.
This spiraling conflict risks engulfing the broader Middle East, dragging in more players and further destabilizing the region. With top Iranian leadership targeted and nuclear facilities reportedly damaged, the coming days could be decisive in determining whether diplomacy can still play a role—or if a larger war is imminent.
