Iran-Israel Conflict Intensifies; Nuclear Threats Emerge

The conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified, now entering its fourth day, with Iran launching new missile attacks that killed at least eight people in Israel, including strikes on residential areas and the Haifa oil refinery. Israel claims to have destroyed more than 120 Iranian missile launchers and asserts aerial superiority after conducting airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, with Iran reporting over 224 deaths from these attacks. Amid the hostilities, a senior Iranian official stated Pakistan would retaliate with a nuclear strike if Israel uses nuclear weapons against Tehran, although Pakistan has denied confirming this and maintains its nuclear policy is defensive. The violence has caused hundreds of casualties and widespread property damage on both sides, sparking concerns of further escalation and regional spillover, as seen in global oil market volatility. Both Israel and Iran have issued strong warnings of further retaliation. Additionally, the US embassy in Israel was damaged, but no American casualties have been reported.