Israel Keeps Up Iran Strikes After Deadly Missile Barrage, Over 400 Killed: 10 Key Points

Tensions in the Middle East surged dramatically on Sunday as Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes for a third consecutive day, resulting in extensive casualties and destruction on both sides.

Iranian media reported at least 128 deaths from Israeli attacks, while Israeli officials confirmed 13 fatalities. However, a Washington-based human rights group put the Iranian death toll at 406, with 654 others wounded.

Major Developments

• Israeli Airstrikes on Key Iranian Targets:
  Under Operation Rising Lion, Israel launched a direct large-scale offensive targeting Iran’s defence ministry headquarters in Tehran and several facilities allegedly tied to its nuclear program. Explosions were reported near a natural gas plant, possibly marking Israel’s first direct hit on Iran’s energy sector.

• Iran’s Retaliation:
  In response, Iran fired dozens of missiles that breached Israeli air defences, hitting residential areas and causing civilian casualties. Associated Press reported missiles striking buildings deep inside Israeli territory.

• Civilian Toll Mounts:
  Iranian daily Etemad, citing health officials, said the 128 confirmed deaths included at least 40 women and numerous children. Other reports described the civilian toll as “significant.”
  Meanwhile, Israel reported 13 deaths since hostilities began.

• Nuclear Tensions Rise:
  The escalation followed Iran’s announcement that it would activate a new nuclear enrichment facility. The UN nuclear watchdog issued a censure shortly afterward, further straining regional diplomacy.

• Trump Issues Warning, Denies US Involvement:
  Former US President Donald Trump distanced the US from Israeli actions, stating, “The US had nothing to do with the attack on Iran.” However, he warned:
  “If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.”
  Trump also claimed a diplomatic resolution was still possible: “We can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!”

• Talks Cancelled, Accusations Fly:
  A planned sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman was cancelled following the Israeli offensive. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of complicity and said the talks were now “unjustifiable.”

• Warnings and Threats Multiply:
  Israeli military spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee issued a message in Farsi urging Iranian civilians to evacuate arms production facilities, hinting at further strikes.
  In contrast, Iran’s foreign minister stated that if Israeli attacks ceased, Iranian retaliation would also stop.

• Air Travel Severely Disrupted:
  Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel remained shut for a third consecutive day. Israeli airlines are working to repatriate stranded citizens abroad, though timing remains uncertain due to the volatile situation.
  Land border crossings to Jordan and Egypt remain open, but widespread air travel disruptions are expected to persist.

As the conflict enters a potentially more dangerous phase, global powers are on edge, and regional diplomacy lies in shambles. The prospect of wider war looms large over the Middle East.