Tehran: The conflict in the Middle East has intensified as the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States entered its 14th day, with fresh airstrikes reported in several Iranian cities.
According to reports, explosions were heard multiple times overnight in Tehran, the capital of Iran, as American and Israeli forces continued their aerial bombardment campaign. Airstrikes were also reported in the cities of Ahvaz, Arak, and Kashan, raising concerns about the growing humanitarian impact of the conflict.
Officials and humanitarian agencies say the number of casualties is steadily increasing as the fighting continues. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that nearly 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran since the conflict began on February 28.
Iran Responds With Missile and Drone Attacks
Iran has continued its retaliatory operations, launching missile and drone strikes against Israeli targets and U.S. military bases in Gulf countries. Iranian officials say the attacks are part of their response to the ongoing airstrikes against Iranian territory.
In his first public statement after assuming leadership, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that attacks would continue until all American military bases are removed from the Middle East. He recently succeeded his father, Ali Khamenei, as the country’s top authority.
Khamenei said Iran would maintain its military response until what he described as “foreign military presence” in the region comes to an end.
Trump Says War “Going Very Well”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation during an event at the White House, saying that the war in Iran was “going very well.” His remarks have drawn international attention as the conflict continues to escalate.
Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
The conflict has also spread beyond Iran. Israeli forces have reportedly carried out multiple airstrikes in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, as well as other areas in southern Lebanon.
According to the National News Agency (NNA), Israeli airstrikes killed three people in the town of Ain Ebel, while another three people were killed in attacks in the Tyre district.
French Soldier Killed in Iraq
In another development related to regional instability, a French soldier was killed in an attack in Erbil, Iraq.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the incident, saying the soldier died during a mission in Erbil, located in Iraq. Several other French soldiers were injured in the attack.
Macron said the troops were deployed in Iraq as part of the international mission against the extremist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS). He added that the ongoing war involving Iran should not be used to justify attacks on international forces.
Regional Tensions Continue to Rise
With airstrikes, missile attacks, and cross-border incidents increasing, analysts warn that the conflict could expand further across the Middle East. The humanitarian situation is also worsening as millions of civilians face displacement and growing security risks.
International observers are calling for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and protect civilian populations across the region.