What started as long-simmering tension between Israel and Iran has now erupted into a full-blown crisis, with deadly strikes shaking both countries and rattling the region.
Iran claims that Israel has assassinated 14 of its top nuclear scientists, allegedly using car bombs and targeted strikes across Tehran since Friday.
According to sources who spoke with Reuters, these attacks were aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear weapon development program.
Tehran Turns Into a Battleground
Local media reports say five car bombs exploded in Tehran, leaving the capital city in chaos.
Smoke and debris have taken over neighborhoods once bustling with everyday life.
In the aftermath, 128 Iranians have been confirmed dead, with many more wounded.
Iran also says Israel bombed two oil refineries and the Ministry of Defence headquarters overnight.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the elimination of nine scientists, with the Israeli government admitting they anticipated civilian casualties during the operations.
One official bluntly stated, “We didn’t have any other choice.”
Civilian Casualties on Both Sides
While Iran reels from the attacks, Israel has also been hit hard.
At least 13 Israelis, including children, have died from Iranian missile strikes, with 200 more injured.
One heartbreaking report says an entire family—Raja Khateeb, his wife, and three daughters—was killed in a strike near Haifa.
The tit-for-tat violence has left cities like Bat Yam and Tel Aviv in fear, with air raid sirens blaring and people scrambling to shelters.
Footage from the streets shows families huddling by roadsides, hiding from falling missiles.
Operation ‘Rising Lion’ and Iran’s Response
On Friday night, Israel launched a massive aerial attack dubbed Operation Rising Lion, striking key Iranian military and nuclear sites.
This offensive reportedly killed top Iranian generals and damaged major infrastructure.
Iran quickly responded, firing waves of missiles at Israeli cities throughout the weekend.
President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran has vowed more “decisive and severe” retaliation.
He stressed that Iran’s response so far has been “strong and appropriate,” but warned that further escalation is on the table.
International Reactions and Trump’s Mediation Hopes
As the world watches the conflict spiral, Donald Trump has weighed in, saying the U.S. could possibly get involved. In an interview, Trump also mentioned that Russia’s Vladimir Putin had offered to mediate between the two nations, and that the U.S. might support that path.
Trump then posted on Truth Social, pushing for a peace deal and referencing his past diplomatic efforts in other international disputes.
Russia’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, echoed the sentiment, claiming Moscow could play a “key role” in de-escalating the violence.
Travel Disruptions and Evacuations Begin
As fear grows, airlines are taking action.
Etihad Airways and Israel’s El Al have suspended flights between key cities, including Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, and Moscow.
The UK Foreign Office has warned against all travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories, hinting at potential evacuations of British nationals.
Russia’s embassy in Tehran also said it was looking into evacuation options by land to get its citizens out safely.
New Strikes and Shifting Battlefronts
Israel has expanded its military focus, reportedly hitting Iran’s Justice and Intelligence Ministries in central Tehran.
Explosions have been heard across northern neighborhoods like Shahrak-e Gharb and Saadat Abad, with smoke pillars rising over the skyline.
According to Iranian media, missile-like projectiles hit two major areas in central Tehran, leaving widespread destruction.
Israel also struck Yemen, allegedly targeting Houthi military chief Mohamed Al-Ghamari in a nighttime air raid.
It’s not yet confirmed whether he survived.
Who’s Really Paying the Price?
Iran’s Health Minister said the majority of casualties are women and children.
Images of collapsed buildings, broken glass, and bloodied civilians continue to flood social media, painting a grim picture of the cost of this conflict.
Netanyahu declared that Iran would “pay a very heavy price,” visiting strike sites and encouraging Israelis to follow safety instructions.
What’s Next?
With no signs of de-escalation, the Middle East teeters on the edge of a much larger war.
Emergency alerts are still active in cities across Israel, and both nations are bracing for more strikes.
The IDF continues to operate “deep in Iranian airspace,” and Iran insists it will not back down.
The question now isn’t just who strikes next—but how far this war will go before diplomacy finally takes hold.