Israel Conducts Widespread Strikes on Iran, Kills 224, Targets Nuclear Capabilities

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated military actions against Iran, aiming to eliminate Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missile production capability, and the so-called "axis of terrorism" involving Iranian-backed militant groups. Netanyahu claimed Israel now controls the skies over Tehran and urged civilians in targeted areas to evacuate amid ongoing strikes, which have killed numerous Iranian military and nuclear personnel. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak assessed that preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power would be extremely challenging without overthrowing the regime, emphasizing that Israel alone cannot accomplish this and requires U.S. support. The recent Israeli strikes mark a significant escalation, with Iran retaliating through missile attacks on Israel, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Critics argue that Israel's actions are reckless and expansionist, worsening regional instability and potentially dragging the U.S. and the broader Middle East into further chaos. Despite diplomatic efforts from Iran and some U.S. officials to avoid conflict, the situation remains highly volatile as Israel intensifies its military campaign.