The conflict between Iran and Israel entered its 37th day with a sharp escalation across multiple fronts, as missile exchanges, drone attacks, and widening regional involvement underscored the growing intensity of the war. Fresh Iranian strikes in the Gulf, continued attacks on Israeli territory, and expanding US-Israeli operations inside Iran marked a volatile phase, even as diplomatic calls for de-escalation grew louder.Iran expands Gulf offensive, hits KuwaitIran widened the theatre of conflict into the Gulf, launching attacks that directly impacted Kuwait.
Missiles and blasts rock IsraelIsrael continued to face sustained aerial attacks from multiple directions, including Iran and Yemen.
The Israeli military confirmed that missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory on Sunday.Loud explosions were heard over Jerusalem after incoming missile warnings, with at least six blasts reported by journalists.Earlier in the day, missile strikes on Tel Aviv and central Israel injured five people, according to rescue services.Separately, Israel said it detected a fifth missile launch from Yemen since the war began, with air defence systems deployed to intercept it.Civilian casualties reported inside IranStrikes inside Iran continued, with casualties reported in multiple locations.In northwestern Iran’s Ardabil province, near the Azerbaijan border, US-Israeli strikes killed three people and wounded three others.The attacks hit the areas of Jafarabad and Germi, according to Iranian media citing a provincial security official.Additional strikes targeting a petrochemical hub reportedly killed five people.Other targets included a nuclear plant, a trade terminal, and a cement factory.A strike near the Bushehr nuclear power station killed a security guard but did not damage the facility, with authorities confirming no radiation increase.Trump issues ultimatum; Iran rejects itTensions escalated further following a direct warning from former US President Donald Trump, which Iran swiftly dismissed.
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Trump warned Iran to accept a peace deal within 48 hours, posting: “Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them.”He also claimed that a major strike on Tehran had killed “many” Iranian military leaders, saying they were “terminated… with this massive strike in Tehran!”Iran’s central military command rejected the ultimatum outright.General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi described Trump’s threat as “a helpless, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action.”Strait of Hormuz tensions and selective exemptionsAmid heightened tensions in one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, Iran signalled a selective approach to its maritime restrictions.
Tehran said Iraqi vessels would be allowed to transit through the Strait of Hormuz despite broader restrictions.Military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari stated: “We announce that our brotherly country of Iraq is exempt from any restrictions we have imposed on the Strait of Hormuz.”He added that the restrictions were directed only at “enemy countries.”Lebanon front intensifies as Israel strikes TyreThe conflict continued to spill into neighbouring Lebanon, where Israel expanded its military operations.US arrests linked to Soleimani case spark confusionDevelopments in the United States added another layer of complexity to the geopolitical tensions.US authorities arrested two alleged relatives of Qassem Soleimani after revoking their residency permits.The detainees were identified as the niece and grand-niece of the Iranian general killed in a 2020 US drone strike in Baghdad.However, Iranian media quoted two of Soleimani’s daughters denying any familial connection to those detained.Diplomatic push as Erdogan calls for end to warEven as fighting intensified, diplomatic efforts sought to halt the conflict.Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the war as a “geostrategic impasse.”In a call with NATO chief Mark Rutte, Erdogan urged renewed efforts to end hostilities.A widening, multi-front conflictAs the war enters its 37th day, the situation remains fluid and increasingly complex:Iran has expanded its offensive beyond Israel into Gulf states.Israel continues to face missile threats from multiple fronts while intensifying strikes across Iran and Lebanon.Civilian casualties and infrastructure damage are mounting.Strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz remain under threat.Diplomatic signals remain overshadowed by continued military escalation.
