The Israel-Iran conflict has surged into a second week, marked by intense aerial bombardment and missile exchanges that have devastated both nations. Israel initiated the latest round of hostilities with targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, military commanders, and infrastructure, claiming the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. In response, Iran launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli military and civilian targets, including a hospital in Beersheba and critical sites in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The human toll has been severe. Rights groups report that Israeli strikes have killed nearly 600 people in Iran, including civilians, scientists, and top military officials, while Iranian attacks have left at least two dozen Israelis dead and many more injured. Both sides have accused each other of deliberately targeting civilian areas, with Israel alleging the use of cluster munitions by Iran and Iran condemning Israeli strikes on residential neighborhoods. The violence has forced many civilians in both countries to seek shelter, disrupting daily life and heightening fears of further escalation.
International efforts to de-escalate the crisis have intensified. European foreign ministers and the EU’s foreign policy chief are meeting with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva, urging all parties to halt hostilities and return to the negotiating table. The United States, meanwhile, remains undecided about direct involvement, with President Trump stating a decision will be made within two weeks. Russian and Chinese leaders have also called for restraint, warning that a wider regional war would benefit no one.
Despite mounting international pressure, both Israel and Iran show no signs of backing down. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has suggested that the conflict could ultimately lead to regime change in Iran, while Iranian officials have vowed to continue their military operations as long as Israeli aggression persists. Amid the chaos, activists in Iran report that the population is too focused on survival to consider mass protests, reflecting the profound impact of the conflict on everyday life.