Israel and Iran exchanged fresh attacks overnight, escalating tensions in the Middle East as the world watches to see if the United States will join the conflict.
On Wednesday evening, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the Israeli Air Force launched new strikes in western Iran. According to IDF spokesman Effie Defrin, there have been three waves of Israeli airstrikes over Iran in the past 24 hours, targeting approximately 40 sites around Tehran.
“Our air force executed extensive operations against Iranian military infrastructure,” Defrin said. “We are committed to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.”
Iranian authorities reported that thousands of explosions echoed through parts of Tehran, prompting many residents to evacuate the city. The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it launched retaliatory missile strikes against Israeli targets, utilizing long-range Sejjil missiles for the first time. The IRGC’s Operation True Promise III has seen at least 12 waves of missile strikes against Israel.
The ongoing tit-for-tat attacks have damaged numerous buildings and displaced civilians in both countries. Internet disruptions have been reported in Iran, with Iranian officials accusing Israel of misusing the network for military purposes.
Amid the escalating conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering whether to involve the United States. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said, “I may do it. I may not do it. Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded defiantly, rejecting any demands from the U.S. and warning against American military intervention. “The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,” Khamenei said in a televised address.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the rising tensions. Egypt has proposed an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers to coordinate responses, while the United Nations Security Council is set to hold an emergency session at Iran’s request. Additionally, the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Britain plan to meet with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva to encourage Iran to commit to using its nuclear program solely for civilian purposes.
