The conflict between Israel and Iran, now into its eighth consecutive day, has sharply escalated, with intense missile exchanges, drone attacks, and the targeting of nuclear infrastructure. Amid the volatile situation, diplomatic efforts are gaining momentum, though global powers remain deeply divided on intervention, and evacuations of foreign nationals are underway across the Middle East.

Mass Casualties in Southern Israel: Hospital Targeted

The situation worsened on Thursday when a deadly missile strike from Iran hit a major hospital in southern Israel, injuring at least 240 people. The strike, which also damaged residential buildings near Tel Aviv, triggered emergency evacuations and raised alarms internationally.

In response, Israeli warplanes launched coordinated airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including high-profile targets in Tehran such as the Organisation for Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND)—a group Israel claims is central to Iran’s covert nuclear programme.

Israel Issues a Direct Warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader

Following the hospital attack, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a grave warning, holding Ayatollah Ali Khamenei personally responsible for the aggression. He said Israel’s military had received clear orders, suggesting that Khamenei’s leadership could be directly targeted.

“This man must not be allowed to remain in power,” said Katz, marking one of the most direct personal threats made by an Israeli official toward Iran’s Supreme Leader.

US Still Undecided: Trump Considers Fordo Strike

In Washington, President Donald Trump remains undecided on direct US involvement. The White House said the president will decide within two weeks whether to join Israel’s military campaign or pursue a diplomatic solution.

Trump is reportedly evaluating the possibility of a preemptive strike on Iran’s Fordo nuclear site, buried beneath a mountain and widely considered one of Iran’s most secure facilities. Only bunker-buster bombs are thought to be capable of damaging it.

“There’s a significant chance for negotiations,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, “and the President wants to preserve that window before making a decision.”

European Diplomacy Intensifies in Geneva

As the US delays its decision, European foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany are holding urgent meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Geneva to reduce tensions and revive diplomatic channels. The meeting is seen as a last-ditch attempt to salvage peace amid a looming regional war.

Military Escalation on Both Sides

On the ground, both nations continue aggressive posturing:

• Israel confirmed overnight airstrikes on several Iranian military and missile production sites in Tehran, including command centres and infrastructure tied to its nuclear development.

• Iran allegedly fired missiles armed with cluster munitions—weapons banned under international law by many nations—marking a disturbing escalation in warfare.

Israel Signals Willingness to Act Without US Support

Israeli President Isaac Herzog reaffirmed Israel's preparedness to act unilaterally if Washington refuses to join the war.

“We know what to do. We’ve shown that we know what to do,” Herzog told Politico.

New Leadership and Resistance in Iran

Iran has appointed Brigadier General Majid Khadami as the new head of IRGC intelligence, following the death of his predecessor in Israeli airstrikes. The swift appointment signals Iran’s resolve to maintain military operations despite leadership losses.

In parallel, Hezbollah’s deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem pledged full support to Iran, accusing the West of weaponising nuclear narratives to suppress Iran’s independence.

Heightened Threats and Civilian Evacuations

• Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, has increased overseas surveillance and threat response, anticipating potential Iranian strikes on Israeli embassies and aviation assets.

• Israel issued an evacuation warning for Kalash Taleshan, an Iranian industrial zone suspected to house military assets.

• Australia has suspended operations at its Tehran embassy, evacuating all personnel due to rising security threats.

IAEA Silence Criticized by Iran

Iran’s atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami has condemned IAEA Director Rafael Grossi, threatening legal action for not condemning the Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities. Iran claims that Grossi’s silence enables further aggression and undermines the agency’s neutrality.

Drone War Intensifies: Interceptions Over the Dead Sea

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported the interception of two Iranian UAVs near the Dead Sea, marking an expansion of airspace conflict. Sirens were activated early Thursday morning as drones approached Israeli territory.

US Intelligence: Iran Has Not Yet Pursued Nuclear Weapons

Despite widespread speculation, US intelligence agencies confirm Iran has not made a formal decision to build a nuclear bomb. This assessment, echoed by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, adds complexity to the justification for military strikes.

Global Evacuations Begin Amid Closed Airspace

As the region plunges deeper into crisis:

• Airspaces across the Middle East are closing, disrupting commercial flights and stranding thousands.

• Governments are airlifting or moving their citizens overland to safer zones.

• Several embassies, including those of Australia, have issued travel advisories or shut down temporarily.

What’s Next: Diplomacy or Disaster?

The situation remains extremely volatile. While Geneva talks may offer a diplomatic opening, both Israel and Iran continue to escalate militarily. With civilian lives increasingly caught in the crossfire and the potential for regional war expanding, the coming days will be pivotal.

The next two weeks—as President Trump weighs in and Europe pushes diplomacy—could determine whether the conflict ends with a deal, a wider war, or global repercussions.

As of now, the Middle East stands at a tipping point, and the international community watches closely.

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