The conflict between Israel and Iran intensified for a third consecutive day, with both nations exchanging missile attacks that have resulted in a growing death toll and widespread international alarm. Israel has warned of further escalation as its strikes targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry headquarters in Tehran and sites it says are linked to Iran’s nuclear program.
Iranian missiles, in turn, successfully bypassed Israeli air defenses, striking buildings deep within Israel. Magen David Adom, Israel’s National Rescue Service, told the AP that at least 10 people were killed in Iranian strikes overnight and into Sunday, bringing Israel’s total death toll to 14 since the attacks began. The country’s main international airport and airspace remained closed for a third day.
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In Iran, the Health Ministry reported a significantly higher casualty count, stating that 224 people have been killed since Israel’s initial attack on Friday. The ministry added that 1,277 others have been hospitalized, asserting that over 90% of the casualties were civilians.
The region is now bracing for a potentially drawn-out conflict, particularly after Israeli strikes reportedly hit nuclear and military facilities, resulting in the deaths of several senior generals and top nuclear scientists.
Surface-to-air missile launcher in Tehran struck: IDF
The escalating violence has prompted immediate international reactions. U.S. President Donald Trump, while asserting the U.S. had “nothing to do with the attack on Iran,” issued a stark warning to Tehran, stating it should expect “the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces” if it retaliates against the United States.
Adding a new dimension to the U.S. stance, a U.S. official familiar with the matter revealed that President Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan presented to the U.S. to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The White House reportedly opposed the move, deeming it a potential catalyst for an even more expansive conflict and regional destabilization.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a second phone call with President Trump on Sunday to discuss the crisis. Erdogan’s office told the AP that the Turkish leader “emphasized that immediate action must be taken to prevent a disaster that could throw the entire region into flames” and offered to facilitate diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are set to convene an emergency meeting via video link on Tuesday to discuss the conflict. The meeting aims to facilitate an “exchange of views, coordination on diplomatic outreach to Tel Aviv and Tehran, and possible next steps,” according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas’ office. The EU reiterated its commitment to diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
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In the U.S., the conflict has ignited a debate among lawmakers regarding America’s role. Kentucky Republican Senator Rand Paul praised President Trump for demonstrating restraint, stating, “One of the things I like about President Trump is he has shown restraint.” Paul expressed hope that Trump’s instincts to avoid involvement in the war would prevail, despite anticipated pressure from figures like Senator Lindsey Graham.
Senator Paul vehemently disagreed with Senator Graham’s assertive call to “go all in to help Israel finish the job” if Iran refuses negotiations.
“Well, his initial response was, ‘game on,’ and I don’t consider war to be a game,” Paul retorted, highlighting the grave human cost and questioning the concept of preemptive or preventative war. He further warned of potential unintended consequences of U.S. military intervention, suggesting it could strengthen Iranian nationalism and make a negotiated settlement less likely.
“I see more war and more carnage,” Paul asserted, steadfastly maintaining, “And it’s not the U.S.’s job to be involved in this war,” citing the costly and destabilizing U.S. involvements in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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