Missiles, hospitals and threats: Middle East on the brink as Iran, Israel and the US escalate tensions

Iran accuses the US of complicity, Israel bombs Tehran, missiles rain on Tel Aviv and Haifa. A children’s hospital is hit. Putin proposes mediation, Trump issues a stark warning.

The spark: Israel strikes, Tehran retaliates

The night between Friday and Saturday marked the start of an unprecedented escalation in the Middle East. The Israeli air force bombed strategic targets in Tehran, including the Iranian Ministry of Defense. But the attack that sparked global outrage was the bombing of the Hakim Children’s Hospital, struck by a drone and causing casualties among children and medical staff.

Iran retaliated by launching more than 150 ballistic missiles toward Israeli cities, hitting Tel Aviv, Haifa, the Galilee, Bat Yam, and Rehovot. The toll is heavy: dozens dead, hundreds injured, and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble.

Tehran’s accusation: “The US is involved”

During a meeting with foreign diplomats in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared:
We have concrete evidence that US forces in the region provided logistical support to Israel. The United States is complicit in these attacks and must take responsibility.”

Trump: “If attacked, we’ll respond with unmatched force”

Former US President Donald Trump responded swiftly:
The US had nothing to do with last night’s attacks on Iran, but if we are attacked, we will respond with military power like never seen before.”
At the same time, he hinted at diplomacy: “We can reach a deal between Iran and Israel if there is goodwill.”

Hospitals under fire: war crimes?

According to Iranian authorities and international humanitarian organizations, the bombing of the Hakim Children’s Hospital is a clear violation of international humanitarian law, which strictly protects medical facilities during conflicts. Dr. Hossein Qanati, a prominent physician in Iran, stated:
Bombing a children’s hospital is an inhuman act. The images of destroyed cribs and scattered IV lines speak for themselves.”

Israel under siege: cities hit, victims multiply

Iran’s missiles also struck the Tamra shopping center, killing five members of the Khatib family. In Bat Yam and Rehovot, over 90 people were injured, including several in critical condition. In Galilee, a woman was killed when a missile hit her home.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activated sirens nationwide, forcing millions into shelters. Some drones and missiles were also reportedly launched from Yemen.

Israel urges US to join the conflict

According to Axios, Israel formally asked the US administration to intervene militarily, with the goal of eliminating Iran’s nuclear program. However, as of now, Washington has not agreed to enter the conflict.

Putin steps in: “We’re ready to mediate”

Amid this dangerous escalation, a phone call took place between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin stated that Russia is ready to mediate between Iran and Israel, stressing the urgent need to prevent a full-blown war. Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed:
“We are ready to make every possible effort to stop this conflict.”

Iran’s supreme leader: “We will open the gates of hell”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned that Israel will be rendered powerless and vowed to continue the attacks until the “Zionist regime” surrenders.
Newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian fully aligned himself with the military leadership, showing no signs of de-escalation.


FAQ

1. What did Israel target in Iran?
The Ministry of Defense and the Hakim Children’s Hospital in Tehran.

2. Was the hospital bombing confirmed?
Yes. Iranian and independent sources confirm the attack.

3. How many victims did the Iranian strikes cause?
At least 10 dead and over 200 injured in Israel, including children.

4. Why is Iran blaming the US?
Iran claims to have evidence that US forces assisted Israel in the attacks.

5. Did the US directly attack Iran?
No, but Trump warned of overwhelming force if the US is attacked.

6. What is Russia proposing?
A diplomatic mediation between Iran and Israel to stop the conflict.

7. Did Israel ask for American intervention?
Yes, according to Axios, but Washington is not considering direct involvement.

8. How is Israel responding domestically?
Millions of civilians are sheltering from ongoing missile threats.

9. Are missiles being launched from Yemen too?
Yes, according to IDF reports, attacks are also coming from Yemeni territory.

10. What happens now?
The world watches nervously. Further diplomacy or escalation remains to be seen.

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