US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

In a series of escalating warnings, President Trump has publicly set multiple deadlines for Iran to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz, threatening military action against the country’s infrastructure if those demands are not met within the specified timeframes.

Sina Toossi, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy, has cautioned that the escalating conflict between the US and Iran could have devastating global repercussions, including a drastic surge in oil prices and a broader economic downturn.
In a recent social media update, Toossi stated that Iran has signalled its intention to retaliate against US attacks on its energy infrastructure by intensifying strikes on energy and power installations across the Gulf and Israel.
According to Toossi, the potential outcome of this escalation is a sharp increase in global crude oil prices, potentially reaching $200 per barrel, which could push countries worldwide, including the US, towards economic recession or even depression.
Toossi also expressed skepticism that the escalation would prompt Iran to surrender, questioning whether this scenario would ultimately lead to Iranian capitulation, which he deemed highly unlikely.
Notably, Toossi characterized Trump’s approach as a form of “madman doctrine,” a tactic that relies on aggressive rhetoric to create an aura of unpredictability.

According to Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, the recent diplomatic overtures to end the war appear to be superficial, with no concrete progress being made. Vatanka expressed his concerns to Al Jazeera, stating that Trump’s ultimatums and threats to hit more targets indicate a trajectory of escalation, which is at odds with any genuine diplomatic initiative.

A surge in Israeli airstrikes and artillery bombardments has ravaged Lebanon, stretching from the capital city of Beirut to the southern town of Tyre, and has contributed to a mounting death toll, with numerous civilians injured in densely populated neighborhoods.

With the Iran-US conflict now in its third month, Israel’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that a total of 6,951 individuals have been hospitalized following injuries sustained during the conflict, which commenced in late February.

Observers have pointed out that US President Trump’s statements on Iran are marked by a contradictory tone, with him expressing optimism about diplomatic efforts one moment, only to declare a catastrophic outcome the next. According to Tim Constantine, a Washington Times writer, Trump’s approach may be intended to apply pressure on Iran, but it could paradoxically harden the Iranian stance. Constantine also took issue with a recent social media post by Trump, deeming the president’s use of profanity to be unbecoming of his office.

A spate of attacks has struck the Bushehr province, home to one of Iran’s most critical nuclear facilities, fueling growing apprehension about the risk of a catastrophic event, reminiscent of the Chernobyl disaster. Meanwhile, reports have emerged of multiple incidents in Ahvaz, including a brazen assault on the local airport. Additionally, a separate attack has been reported in the vicinity of eastern Tehran.

In a statement, Kandice Ardiel, spokesperson for the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL), emphasized the necessity of safeguarding peacekeepers amidst the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in the region. Ardiel pointed out that UNIFIL personnel have been placed at risk due to the proximity of Israeli military and Hezbollah firings to their positions, resulting in the tragic loss of at least three peacekeepers last week.

Ardiel underscored the responsibility of all parties involved to guarantee the safety and security of UN personnel and to respect the sanctity of UN premises at all times. Furthermore, she appealed to the warring factions to lay down their arms and strive for a ceasefire, as she firmly believes that a military solution is unattainable and that prolonging the conflict will only exacerbate the suffering on both sides.

A snapshot of the reactions from Democratic lawmakers and others to Trump’s provocative social media post, which has ignited a firestorm of criticism and concern over his Iran policy.

A residential building in Beirut’s southern districts suffered a direct hit in the late afternoon, leaving it severely damaged. The three-storey structure was situated mere metres from the Rafik Hariri University Hospital, where chaotic scenes unfolded as people were rushed to safety, shrouded in dust and soot. Footage from the aftermath revealed the devastating consequences of the strike.

In a disturbing escalation, the southern suburbs of Beirut were subjected to a total of seven aerial attacks, with further strikes reported in other areas. The relentless bombardment shows no signs of abating, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the region.

The sudden and intense Israeli campaign has left many residents reeling, despite warnings issued by Israeli authorities about impending strikes on specific neighbourhoods and areas. The reality is that civilians, including those displaced from other parts of the country, are bearing the brunt of the conflict. Many had sought refuge in Beirut, hoping to escape the violence, only to find themselves caught in the crossfire.