The conflict between , and has entered a dangerous new phase after Iran launched long-range ballistic missiles for the first time since the war began.
Israeli military officials said Tehran fired missiles with a range of up to 4,000 kilometers targeting a joint U.S.-UK military base at in the Indian Ocean. Israeli military chief said the development marked a major escalation, warning that the missiles could reach European capitals such as Berlin, Paris and Rome.
Iran also launched missile strikes on southern Israel, hitting the cities of and . Dozens of civilians, including children, were injured in the attacks. The targeted areas are located near key military infrastructure, including Israel’s nuclear facility near Dimona and the Nevatim Air Base.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strikes were aimed at military and security sites, but Israeli authorities acknowledged that their air defense systems failed to intercept the missiles. Prime Minister described the situation as “a very difficult evening” and vowed to continue military operations.
The war, which began on February 28, has already caused significant casualties, with nearly 2,000 people reported killed in Iran and at least 15 in Israel. The conflict has also spread across the region, with Israeli strikes reported in targeting Hezbollah, while Iran has launched drone attacks on U.S. military bases in Gulf countries.
U.S. President has indicated that Washington may begin scaling down its military operations, saying the United States is close to achieving its objectives. He also called on other countries to take responsibility for securing the , a critical route for global energy supplies.
The conflict is already having global economic consequences, with energy markets disrupted as the Strait of Hormuz through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes faces major disruptions. European gas prices have surged sharply, while some countries, including , are experiencing fuel supply challenges.
Meanwhile, strategic Iranian sites remain under threat. Reports suggest that U.S.-Israeli strikes may have targeted nuclear facilities, while , a key oil export terminal, is seen as a potential future target.
Now in its fourth week, the war shows no clear signs of ending, with continued exchanges raising fears of a broader international crisis.
