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Israel strikes Tehran, Iran vows retaliationIsrael\u2019s military said it launched fresh strikes on Iranian \u201cregime targets\u201d early Saturday, marking one of the most direct escalations in recent days. An AFP journalist in Tehran reported hearing around 10 intense blasts and seeing plumes of black smoke rising over the capital.<\/p>\n
Iran responded with a sharp warning. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would exact a \u201cHEAVY price for Israeli crimes\u201d, referring to attacks that have included strikes on two of Iran\u2019s largest steel factories and nuclear-related sites.<\/p>\n
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The targeting of strategic infrastructure, including facilities linked to nuclear processing, has raised international alarm over the risk of a wider and potentially catastrophic escalation.
Civilian toll rises as missile exchanges intensifyThe continued exchange of fire has led to casualties across multiple fronts:In Israel, emergency responders reported that a man was killed in Tel Aviv after missile strikes from Iran.Several others were wounded across the country.A Home Front Command official said a cluster bomb \u2014 which disperses smaller explosives over a wide area \u2014 was used in the attack.
Beyond Israel, the ripple effects of the conflict were felt in the Gulf:Regional flashpoints widen: Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, HouthisThe conflict continues to expand across multiple theatres:Israel struck Beirut\u2019s southern suburbs, targeting the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.Hezbollah said its fighters clashed with Israeli forces in south Lebanon using \u201clight and medium weapons.\u201dSaudi Arabia said it \u201cintercepted and destroyed\u201d a missile aimed at Riyadh.
Meanwhile, Yemen\u2019s Houthi rebels issued a fresh warning:The group said it would join the war if attacks on Iran continue or if additional countries enter the conflict.Though they have previously targeted Red Sea shipping, they have not yet directly intervened in this war.US role deepens amid tensions with alliesThe United States remains deeply involved, both militarily and diplomatically:More than 300 American troops have been wounded since the war began on February 28, according to US Central Command.A US official said 10 soldiers remain seriously injured.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signalled a limited timeline for Washington\u2019s objectives, saying:\u201cWhen we are done with them here in the next couple weeks, they will be weaker than they’ve been in recent history.\u201d
He also revealed ongoing indirect communication:\u201cWe’ve had an exchange of messages and indications from the Iranian system\u2026 about a willingness to talk about certain things.\u201d
However, Iran has yet to formally respond to a US-proposed peace plan.<\/p>\n