Egypt Daily News – The confrontation between Iran and Israel has escalated into one of the most intense and sustained military conflicts in the region’s recent history, with both nations engaging in direct strikes that have resulted in significant casualties, destruction, and heightened international concern.
Death Toll Surges Amid Israeli Strikes
The Iranian Ministry of Health announced on Monday that 224 people have been killed, mostly civilians, in the 65 hours since Israel launched what it described as a “preemptive” military operation against Iranian territory. The strikes, which began early Friday morning, targeted nuclear facilities, missile depots, and military installations deep inside Iran.
In a related statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the killing of its intelligence chief, his deputy, and a senior officer during an Israeli air raid. These high-level assassinations follow earlier reports of Israeli operatives allegedly assassinating nine Iranian nuclear scientists and senior commanders over the past few days.
Iranian Retaliation: Missiles and Drones Strike Back
Iran has responded with a series of powerful missile barrages and drone attacks on Israeli targets. According to Iranian sources, over 70 ballistic missiles were launched early Monday, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Several missiles penetrated Israeli defenses, causing damage in multiple cities, including direct hits on residential buildings in Haifa and the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.
The Israeli military reported that most of the incoming projectiles were intercepted, but 15 Israelis were injured and seven buildings in Haifa were damaged, with fires breaking out in multiple locations. Emergency services were deployed to search for individuals potentially trapped under rubble.
Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces issued a public warning to Israeli civilians, urging them to avoid vital military or political locations, claiming it has a comprehensive database of strategic targets and intends to avoid civilian casualties.
Strategic Targets and Escalating Warfare
Both nations have intensified their targeting of strategic assets. Israel claimed to have struck Iran’s Ministry of Defense, nuclear infrastructure near Isfahan and Natanz, and underground missile sites in western Iran. Iran, in turn, said it had successfully targeted Israeli military command centers, missile defense systems, and homes of senior Israeli leaders and scientists.
In a televised address, IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei declared that the conflict will continue “in the coming weeks until the complete defeat of Tel Aviv,” adding that Iran still has “secret tactics and untapped capabilities” it has yet to deploy. He accused Israel of planning additional assassinations that were thwarted due to Iran’s countermeasures.
Diplomacy on Hold: Iran Refuses Negotiations Amid Ongoing Attacks
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have so far failed. A senior Iranian official revealed that Iran has informed Qatari and Omani mediators it will not engage in serious negotiations until it completes its response to Israeli strikes. Tehran has denied reports that it sought U.S. involvement in ceasefire mediation, and the planned sixth round of nuclear talks in Muscat was canceled by Oman.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and European allies of enabling Israeli aggression, calling their inaction at the UN Security Council a “historic mistake” with potentially far-reaching consequences. He stated that Iran would consider returning to diplomacy if Israeli attacks cease, and called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to condemn the targeting of Iranian nuclear sites.
International and Regional Reactions
Most countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, have condemned Israel’s actions. The Saudi Foreign Minister reportedly reached out to his Iranian counterpart in solidarity, amid growing fears that the conflict could spiral into a broader regional war.
France voiced concern over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, labeling the program a “threat to European and Israeli security.” Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Katz warned that “Tehran will burn” if more missiles are launched, emphasizing that Israel holds Iran’s leadership directly accountable.
U.S. President Donald Trump, while suggesting the conflict could end quickly, warned Iran not to target American assets, echoing past threats of overwhelming retaliation.
Impact on Civilians and Infrastructure
Beyond the battlefield, the war is inflicting severe humanitarian consequences. Iran suspended operations in parts of its South Pars gas field after Israeli strikes, and Israeli civilians were instructed to remain in shelters across central and northern regions.
Israeli reports confirmed 50 additional missiles launched late Sunday from Iran, some targeting a power station in Hadera and the residence of Prime Minister Netanyahu in Caesarea. Fires broke out in the Golan Heights and multiple Israeli cities following interception efforts and direct hits.
The situation remains fluid, with fears of further escalation looming large. Both militaries are operating on high alert, and regional actors are urging restraint amid fears the conflict could destabilize the entire Middle East.
