As the Israel-Iran war enters its third day, the human toll is mounting. Homes have been reduced to rubble, families displaced, and casualty numbers are rising in both nations.
Beneath the military strategies from both sides, diplomatic warnings and mixed reactions from world leaders, is a potential humanitarian crisis as civilians bear the brunt of the escalation.
Air raid sirens and explosions have become the new reality for citizens in these countries. Airports, businesses and schools have been shut down, with citizens seeking shelter or fleeing altogether.
As regional and global powers weigh their next moves, PREMIUM TIMES highlights what we know so far and what to expect in the coming days.
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- The tension between Israel and Iran escalated last Friday after the Israeli military launched dozens of air strikes into Tehran.
- The Israeli government justified the attack by describing it as an act of “national preservation.” The strikes reportedly targeted nuclear facilities and ballistic missile production sites although Iran says many civilians were also killed. The strikes also killed three top Iranian military commanders, six nuclear scientists. The top army officials killed are the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri; the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Hossein Salami; and the Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, Amir Ali Hajizadeh.
- The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, distanced the country from the attack, stating that the US was not involved in the strikes and warned Iran not to target American interests or personnel in the region. However, President Trump later described the attack as excellent. He confirmed that he had been aware of the attack beforehand and urged Iran to agree to the nuclear deal with the US before things grew worse.
- Iran responded to the attack, first with 100 drones and later with dozens of missiles targeted at Israel.
- Israel and Iran continued the attacks on Saturday with Israel launching air strikes and Iran firing ballistic missiles and drones.
- As the attacks continued, oil prices surged while global stock markets dropped.
- The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Friday over the Israel-Iran conflict. The council members reached a consensus on the need for urgent de‑escalation and diplomacy and made a unified call for restraint.
- Several world leaders have responded to the confrontation, calling for a de-escalation to ensure stability in the Middle East. While some condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, others simply called for a de-escalation.
- The Nigerian government, on Saturday, expressed concern about the war and called for a diplomatic solution. Nigeria also condemned Israel for starting the war.
- Israel escalated the war with attacks on Iran’s energy and oil and gas facilities early on Sunday. Israel struck Tehran refinery at Rey, the Shahran oil depot, and a facility in Tabriz. Strikes also targeted Tehran’s defence ministry and a military base in Kermanshah. About 80 people died and nearly 800 were injured, most of them civilians. Iran in retaliation fired more missiles at Israel, attacking a research university, an oil depot and other Israeli facilities. The death toll in Israel increased to 10 with dozens more injured, PREMIUM TIMES reported.
- Iran cautioned the United States, United Kingdom, and France that providing military support to Israel could provoke retaliatory attacks on their regional bases and naval forces.
- President Trump warned Iran against launching any attack against US facilitie. He threatened to unleash the full strength of the US military if this occurs.
- Iran cancelled the next round of US-Iran nuclear talks, which was scheduled to be held in Oman today. It described the continuation of nuclear talks with the US as unjustifiable amidst the war with Israel.
- The Israel-Iran war now threatens President Trump’s promise to restore global peace and end wars. This promise formed a major part of his campaign.
- Russia has offered to carry out mediation efforts to help the warring countries reach an acceptable solution on Iran’s nuclear development.
- China’s foreign ministry, in a strongly worded statement, condemned Israel for attacking Iran. The Asian power accused Israel of undermining the principles of the UN Charter and violating fundamental norms of international relations.
- The Iran-Israel war will dominate the G7 summit, which will be held Sunday through Tuesday. While the summit had been set to prioritise the Russia-Ukraine war, it is expected to now focus primarily on the war in the Middle East.
- Israeli television channels are broadcasting what they claim to be live footage of massive explosions in central Tehran, showing thick plumes of smoke rising from roughly half a dozen locations.
- The New York Times reported that Israel’s chief military spokesman, Effie Defrin, has said Israel will not be stopping its attack on Iran yet. “At this hour, we continue to strike dozens of additional targets in Tehran. We are deepening the damage to Iran’s nuclear program and its military capabilities,” he was quoted as saying.
- However, the conflict intensifies, Analysts warn of continued Israeli strikes to delay Iran’s nuclear program and military capability. Reuters earlier reported that the goal of Israel’s surprise attack on Iran was to trigger a regime change, which is unlikely. Iran’s retaliation will also increase through the use of missiles, drones, and proxy forces.
- Death tolls and casualties are expected to rise. Analysts also project high civilian tolls in a prolonged conflict and that emergency services will be overwhelmed. The Guardian reported that Tehran residents are “bracing themselves” in shelters as war looms.
- There’s also a risk of regional escalation. For a region that has been subjected to frequent instability, the situation is likely to worsen. Analysts warn of a regional war possibility given the threats to Gulf shipping lanes, US assets, and neighbouring countries. According to Reuters, Iran has declared that it does not want regional war, but reserves the right to defend itself.
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