The ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran has intensified, with residents reporting heavy bombardment in key Iranian cities and videos confirming massive explosions at strategic missile bases. Footage from a missile base near Isfahan shows huge plumes of smoke and secondary explosions, suggesting significant damage to military infrastructure. One video verified by the BBC captures debris thrown into the air and fires burning for several minutes, highlighting the scale of the strikes. Meanwhile, the city of Karaj, west of Tehran, has been “hit hard,” with Iranian officials reporti

The ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran has intensified, with residents reporting heavy bombardment in key Iranian cities and videos confirming massive explosions at strategic missile bases. Footage from a missile base near Isfahan shows huge plumes of smoke and secondary explosions, suggesting significant damage to military infrastructure. One video verified by the BBC captures debris thrown into the air and fires burning for several minutes, highlighting the scale of the strikes. Meanwhile, the city of Karaj, west of Tehran, has been “hit hard,” with Iranian officials reporting that at least two people were killed after a bridge was struck. Additional reports indicate electricity fluctuations and injuries to several residents. Israel has not confirmed responsibility for the strikes on Karaj. As the conflict continues, the US has escalated rhetoric. Former President Donald Trump warned that the US would hit Iran “extremely hard” in the coming weeks while claiming that American objectives would be met soon. In response, Iranian authorities have promised “broader and crushing” retaliation, asserting that previous US-Israeli attacks were “insignificant.” The conflict is also affecting other parts of the region. In Israel, citizens celebrated the Jewish Passover under the shadow of war, as Iran launched its largest salvo of ballistic missiles since the conflict began. While Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted most, some missiles landed in open areas, wounding over a dozen people, including children. Simultaneously, Israel has intensified strikes on Iranian infrastructure and southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds. Thousands of Lebanese civilians have fled their homes amid heavy bombardment as reported by BBC News. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, remains a focal point. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper hosted a virtual summit with over 40 foreign ministers, stressing the “urgent need” to reopen the strait for safe navigation. The blockade has left around 2,000 ships stranded and disrupted global energy supplies, affecting oil, gas, fertilizers, and shipping routes across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Cooper condemned Iran’s “recklessness” and indicated further military planning discussions will follow to ensure the waterway’s accessibility. The war has also had a notable impact on global markets. Oil prices surged after Trump’s national address, with Brent crude rising above $108 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate surpassing $110, its highest level since the conflict began. In Tehran, despite widespread internet blackouts, some residents have expressed confidence in Iran’s ability to recover from the attacks. Others worry about extensive damage to the country’s energy infrastructure and the challenges of rebuilding. Iranian authorities claim seven million citizens have volunteered for military service in response to the conflict, emphasizing a national campaign to defend the country. Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament, declared, “You come for our home… you’re going to meet the whole family. Bring it on.” Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning that the war risks engulfing the entire Middle East with devastating global economic consequences. The conflict shows no signs of slowing, leaving the Middle East and the world on edge as diplomatic, economic, and military measures continue to unfold.

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