The latest exchanges have raised fears of further escalation and devastation, as both sides harden their rhetoric and show no signs of backing down.
Here's a brief summary of the main developments so far.
Israel escalates with oil strikes as death toll surpasses 200
- Israel struck Tehran refinery at Rey, Shahran oil depot, and a facility in Tabriz, intensifying its campaign.
- Strikes also targeted Tehran’s defense ministry and a military base in Kermanshah.
- Rights group HRANA reported 215 killed and nearly 700 injured, most of them civilians.
- The Israeli military said it has hit 150 targets across Iran since Friday.
Iran hits Haifa, Tel Aviv in fresh missile salvo
- Iran has launched over 200 missiles since Friday, with a new wave early Sunday targeting Haifa and Tel Aviv among others.
- Twelve people were killed and at least 385 injured in Israel by Iranian strikes early Sunday local time - with around 35 reported missing.
- Tehran warned the US, UK, and France that any military support for Israel could trigger retaliatory strikes on regional bases and naval assets.
Civilian toll mounts
- HRANA reports 215 deaths in Iran, with over 50 military personnel among them.
- Nearly 700 Iranians have been injured, most civilians.
- About 385 israelis have been injured, most civilians.
Global leaders pleas for calm
- The UK, France, and Pope Leo XIV urged restraint and de-escalation.
- EU officials warned of a “spiral of violence” and emphasized preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
- IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said the Natanz site’s enrichment areas were among those destroyed.
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Trump still hopes for “a path to peace.”
Israel claims hits on nuclear and military sites
- The IAEA confirmed extensive above-ground damage at Natanz but said Fordow and Khondab were unharmed.
- Israel said it destroyed missile launch systems at Tehran’s Mehrabad airport and hit radar and command centers.
- Targets included underground storage sites and active airbases.
Iran signals withdrawal from US talks
- Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told EU chief Kaja Kallas that US-Iran nuclear talks are now “unjustifiable.”
- Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei said a final decision on participation in the next round of talks would be made by Sunday.
Israel kill several top Iranian generals
- Israel’s opening strikes killed top Iranian commanders: IRGC chief Hossein Salami, Armed Forces head Mohammad Bagheri, and Aerospace Force commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh.
- Several nuclear scientists and intelligence officials were also killed.
Markets, global transport feel the shock
- Oil prices surged up to $77 per barrel.
- Wall Street dropped sharply on Friday; volatility is expected to continue.
- More than 1,800 flights were affected due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel.
- The UK and Greece issued maritime advisories for the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.
- The exchange rate for the US dollar in Iran exceeded 960,000 rials on Sunday morning.
Diplomatic efforts intensify but falter
- Netanyahu has spoken with Trump, Putin, Starmer, Macron, Merz, and Modi.
- Iran summoned the Swiss ambassador to warn the US against helping Israel’s defenses.
- Iranian lawmakers publicly urged Khamenei to authorize nuclear weapons development.
Strategic outlook: containment or collapse?
- US intelligence sources told CNN Israel may be using the operation to pursue regime change, though not openly stated.
- Iran has reshuffled its top command rapidly to maintain continuity.
- With diplomacy faltering and military exchanges intensifying, both sides appear to be preparing for prolonged confrontation.
