TEL AVIV, ISRAEL —The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its third day with deadly consequences and no signs of a ceasefire. Israel struck military and civilian sites across Iran on Friday. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones into Israeli territory, killing 10 people and injuring over 100.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Sunday they hit 250 targets inside Iran, including locations in Tehran. Verified video shows heavy damage and smoke rising from the Tajrish Square neighborhood in northern Tehran. Iranian officials report 128 deaths and about 900 injuries from Israeli strikes as of Saturday afternoon.
Iran retaliated with two waves of missile attacks. The most recent barrage occurred Sunday afternoon. According to the IDF, the majority of Iranian projectiles were intercepted, and there were no confirmed impacts. In earlier overnight attacks, six people died in Bat Yam near Tel Aviv, and four were killed in Tamra, a town in northern Israel. Civilian infrastructure suffered major damage.
In Bat Yam, store owner Roman Gorbach said his shop’s doors and windows were blown out by the blast. He expressed frustration at the lack of government support. “I can’t really depend on the government,” he said. “I have a lot of expenses and a lot of debt, and nobody is explaining anything to us.”
Evacuations are now underway in parts of the city due to fears of structural collapse in damaged buildings.
Residents in Tel Aviv continue to seek shelter as missile sirens sound daily. Noah Efron, a local father, sheltered overnight in a public bunker with 80 others, including children and pets. “It’s become our new normal,” Efron said. “We support targeting nuclear sites because it would be a disaster if Iran had a nuclear bomb.”
Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian warned of an even stronger response if Israeli attacks continue. In a call with Iraq’s prime minister, he urged regional governments to stand against Israel and claimed Iran’s actions were defensive. “We did not start this,” he said, “but we will respond with firmness.”
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump said a peace deal between Israel and Iran “will happen.” In an interview with ABC News, Trump stated, “It’s possible [the U.S.] could get involved,” but stressed that the U.S. was not part of the conflict at the moment. He also mentioned a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “He is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk.”
Trump later posted on social media: “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal. Many calls and meetings now taking place.” He added, “MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!”
As tensions rise, international governments are warning citizens to avoid travel to the region. The UK Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Israel.
Israeli officials maintain their position that Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose an immediate threat. Iran claims it is defending itself against unjustified aggression.
The situation remains unstable, with both nations refusing to back down. The toll in human lives and infrastructure damage continues to grow, even as diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction.
