Israel keeps up airstrikes against Iran, hitting nuclear and military facilities — Natanz and Isfahan among them — after a salvo of Iranian missiles and drones attacked Israel, some hitting civilian targets and a hospital in Beersheba.
Iran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones in return, the most severe direct confrontations since 2024.
Trump Considers U.S. Intervention
Ex-President Trump is said to be considering direct U.S. military intervention in favor of Israel, including possible air strikes on Iran’s nuclear plants, and indicating that he could call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender”.
Recent reports by top media outlets indicate U.S. military resources are being redeployed, with soldiers withdrawn and bases placed in high alert.
Putin and Xi Condemn Strikes, Call for Diplomacy
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping firmly condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran as violations of the UN Charter and international law.
Both leaders stressed that there is no military solution and called for political and diplomatic means, with Xi demanding an immediate ceasefire and the safeguarding of civilians.
Russia threatened nuclear-level repercussions if such facilities as Bushehr were attacked, labelling potential dangers similar to a “Chernobyl-style catastrophe”.
The pair offered mediation attempts, calling on major powers—most notably the U.S.—to promote de-escalation.
What This Means
American intervention, particularly under Trump’s tough stance, might trigger wider regional war and redouble worldwide instability—precisely what Russia and China are afraid of.
The absence of diplomatic settlement, even as talks are scheduled in Geneva, reflects the difficulties of concurrent military escalation.
Worldwide implications hang in the balance: exploding oil prices, evacuations of foreign citizens, and concerns regarding subconventional conflict throughout the Middle East .
Directions Ahead
U.S. policy is up in the air—as Trump ramps up military bluster, some allies urge congressional authorization before taking formal action.
At the same time, Europe and Iran are setting up diplomatic talks behind the scenes in Geneva, hoping to counterbalance military escalation.
The Putin and Xi veto might strengthen moves to prevent full-scale war—but only if their influence hinges on circumscribed U.S. intervention.
Bottom Line
The Israel–Iran conflict has entered its most dangerous phase yet. With Trump hinting at direct U.S. support and Russian–Chinese leaders urging diplomacy, the world hangs in the balance. Whether cooler heads prevail or conflict spirals remains the decisive question of our time.
