Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated again this week, with both sides launching strikes that have killed and injured civilians. The violence has alarmed world leaders gathering in Canada, who worry that the ongoing fight could expand into a larger regional war.
Civilian Death Toll Rises on Both Sides
An official from Iran’s Health Ministry said that four days of Israeli airstrikes had left at least 224 people dead. About 90% of those killed were civilians. Israel claims the attacks are aimed at destroying Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities.
In Israel, at least 10 people have died, including children, according to local authorities. Both nations continue to trade attacks, causing mounting human suffering. 
G7 Leaders Put Conflict at Top of Agenda
Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) began meeting in the Canadian Rockies on Sunday. The Israel-Iran conflict is expected to dominate their discussions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his summit priorities include preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, protecting Israel’s right to defend itself, avoiding further escalation, and promoting diplomacy. “This issue will be very high on the agenda of the G7 summit,” Merz told reporters.
Trump Comments on Crisis, Pushes for a Deal
Before leaving for Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that he hoped for a diplomatic solution. “I hope there’s going to be a deal. I think it’s time for a deal,” he said. Then he added, “Sometimes they have to fight it out.”
Diplomatic sources revealed that Qatar and Oman have tried to mediate a ceasefire. However, Iran reportedly told them it would not consider a deal while still under attack.
Iran Launches Daylight Strike on Tel Aviv
On Sunday, explosions rocked Tel Aviv as Iran launched its first daylight missile attack since Israel’s initial strike on Friday. That evening, more missiles struck the city of Haifa, which is home to both Jewish and Arab communities, and areas in southern Israel.
In Bat Yam, a coastal city near Tel Aviv, residents faced another tense night. A missile had hit an apartment building the previous night. “It’s very dreadful. It’s not fun. People are losing their lives and their homes,” said Shem, a 29-year-old local.
Israeli Plan to Target Khamenei Reportedly Vetoed by Trump
Two U.S. officials told Reuters that Trump had recently vetoed an Israeli proposal to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Asked about the report, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “There are so many false reports of conversations that never happened, and I’m not going to get into that.” He added, “We do what we need to do,” during an interview with Fox News.
Iran Loses Top Military Commanders in Israeli Strike
Israel launched its offensive with a surprise strike on Friday. It reportedly wiped out much of Iran’s military leadership and damaged its nuclear sites. The operation is expected to continue in the coming days.
According to Tasnim News Agency, Iran’s semi-official media outlet, Mohammad Kazemi, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence division, was killed in Tehran on Sunday. His deputy also died in the strike.
Iran has vowed to retaliate severely. Leaders in Tehran promised to “open the gates of hell” in response to Israel’s actions.
U.S. Assists in Defending Israel
Trump praised Israel’s military campaign but denied claims that the United States was involved. Still, two American officials confirmed that U.S. forces helped shoot down Iranian missiles aimed at Israeli territory on Friday.
Washington continues to pressure Iran to accept strict limits on its nuclear program. Iran insists its efforts are for peaceful purposes. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency and Western powers argue that the technology could be used to build an atomic bomb.
A new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, scheduled for Sunday, was canceled. Tehran said it would not negotiate while under Israeli attack.
