The war between the United States, Israel and Iran entered its 12th day on Wednesday with no signs of easing, with U.S. and Israeli forces launching what officials said were their heaviest strikes yet against Iranian targets as the conflict spread across the region. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that the United States would launch its largest attack since the war began, deploying more aircraft, bombers and intelligence-guided attacks on Iran’s military infrastructure. Iran’s military capabilities have been hit hard by days of bombing, and Iran has vowed to keep fighting. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected the possibility of a ceasefire, saying Tehran intended to punish Washington and Tel Aviv for alleged aggression. Another senior Iranian figure, Ali Larijani, issued a warning to US President Trump on social media, saying that Iran is not afraid of US threats. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the broader goal of the war is to weaken Iran’s leadership so popular forces can overthrow the government. “We are breaking their bones,” Netanyahu said of the ongoing campaign.
Strike expands to entire region
Fighting has spread far beyond Iran’s borders, with new attacks reported across Lebanon and Iraq. Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven people in southern Lebanon early Wednesday, including five in the town of Qana, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. Additional airstrikes in the Tire and Bint Jubail areas also caused casualties. The Israeli army also launched attacks on Hezbollah-related infrastructure in Beirut’s southern suburbs after issuing evacuation warnings for densely populated areas. Drones struck military installations at Baghdad International Airport on Tuesday night, according to Iraqi security officials. The drones landed near facilities used by the U.S.-led coalition, including the U.S.-run Victoria base, but no casualties were reported.
Tehran comes under heavy bombing
Tehran residents reported some of the “heaviest bombing” of the war during the night, with powerful explosions shaking communities and causing power outages in parts of the capital. Witnesses said the strike lasted for a long time around midnight, and some residents said residential buildings were attacked. According to the Associated Press, many businesses in Tehran closed early out of fear of further attacks. Tens of thousands of civilians have reportedly fled large cities and sought refuge in rural areas.
US targets Iranian naval assets
The U.S. military said it had destroyed 16 Iranian minelayers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid concerns that Tehran might try to block the vital waterway. About a fifth of the world’s oil supplies pass through the waterway, which has become a focus of conflict. President Trump has warned that if Iran deploys mines in the Strait, they must be removed immediately or face serious military consequences.“If Iran has laid any mines in the Strait of Hormuz and we have received no reports that they have done so, we want them removed immediately! If for any reason a mine is placed and not removed immediately, the military consequences for Iran will be unprecedented. On the other hand, it would be a big step in the right direction if they removed what may have been put in place! Additionally, we are using the same technology and missile capabilities deployed against drug traffickers to permanently eliminate any vessel attempting to mine mines in the Strait of Hormuz. They will be dealt with swiftly and violently. Be careful! ” he said.
140 US service members injured
The Pentagon said about 140 U.S. service members have been injured since the conflict began, but most of the injuries were minor. Eight soldiers were reportedly seriously injured, several of whom have since returned to duty. Civilian and military casualties have also increased in the area. In Lebanon alone, hundreds of people have been killed and more than a thousand injured since the latest round of fighting began, authorities said.
Market and Global Concerns
Despite the escalating conflict, financial markets showed relative stability on Tuesday after days of volatility triggered by uncertainty over how long the war might last. The S&P 500 edged lower, while oil prices stabilized after plunging to around $90 a barrel from nearly $120 earlier in the week. Global leaders are paying close attention to the economic consequences of the conflict. G7 leaders are expected to hold emergency talks on energy security and potential measures to stabilize oil markets. Concerns are growing that the conflict could further destabilize the Middle East and disrupt global energy supplies, as both sides refuse to negotiate and step up military operations.
