ibn sultan
Tensions across the Middle East have sharply escalated following joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Iranian state media reported that an Israeli strike hit a girls’ elementary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, killing at least 51 students. The report was carried by Iran’s official news agency.
In response to what it described as a “massive joint attack” by the United States and Israel, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US assets in several Gulf Arab states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where American military bases are stationed.
The (IRGC) claimed responsibility for attacks on “all Israeli and US military targets in the Middle East,” vowing that operations would continue “relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated.”
At least one person was reported killed in Abu Dhabi after Iranian missiles were intercepted. Bahrain confirmed a missile attack targeting the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
The escalating conflict has severely disrupted civil aviation. At least eight countries — Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE — have closed their airspace. Major international airlines including , , , , and have canceled flights to and from the region.
Explosions were reported in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Kermanshah, Qom, Tabriz, Isfahan, Ilam, Karaj, and Lorestan province. In Tehran, reported strike locations included University Street, the Jomhouri area, areas near the offices of Supreme Leader , and IRGC headquarters.
US President outlined the objectives of the campaign, stating that the US aims to “destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground” and “annihilate their navy.” He urged Iranian military personnel to surrender, promising immunity to those who comply, while warning of “certain death” for those who resist. The Pentagon described the operation as “massive and ongoing,” acknowledging the possibility of US casualties.
Regional actors are closely monitoring developments. , an Iraqi paramilitary group, threatened imminent attacks on US bases in retaliation. Russia called for an immediate halt to US and Israeli operations, urging a diplomatic solution. Saudi Arabia condemned Iranian missile strikes on Gulf states and warned of “dire consequences.” The European Union appealed for restraint to prevent nuclear escalation. Pakistan condemned the attacks on Iran, while Indonesia expressed readiness to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning warned that the military strikes risk further escalation and could heighten the danger of nuclear proliferation.
The situation remains fluid as global leaders continue to call for de-escalation amid growing fears of a wider regional war.
