The war involving Iran, the United States and Israel entered its 16th day on Sunday, with fresh airstrikes, missile barrages and widening regional hostilities pushing West Asia deeper into conflict while raising fears of a broader geopolitical and energy crisis as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At least 15 people were killed in a joint US–Israeli strike on Iran’s central city of Isfahan early Sunday, even as Tehran launched retaliatory missile attacks on Israel and targeted US-linked military installations across the Gulf.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has rapidly spread beyond the immediate combatants, drawing in multiple countries in the region and threatening critical shipping routes and energy infrastructure.
Fresh strikes inside Iran
Iranian media reported that residential areas in Shiraz were struck in overnight attacks, which Tehran described as targeting civilian neighbourhoods.
Authorities said the strikes caused further damage to homes and infrastructure already hit during the past two weeks of bombardment.
Iranian officials estimate that more than 10,000 residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed since the war began, while the death toll in the country has crossed 1,400 people.
The conflict has also claimed senior Iranian military leaders. Tehran confirmed the killing of Brigadier-General Abdullah Jalali Nasab, adding to earlier deaths of top figures including armed forces chief Abdolrahim Mousavi, defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour.
Iran threatens to assassinate Netanyahu
Amid the intensifying conflict, Iran has also issued direct threats against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, raising fears of a possible assassination attempt. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that it would “pursue and kill” Netanyahu if he remained alive, calling him responsible for Israeli attacks on Iranian territory and civilians.
Also read: Saudi Arabia intercepts 10 drones amid escalating Iran-Israel war
Iranian retaliation across the Gulf
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched the 50th wave of attacks against US military positions in the region.
Missiles and drones targeted US bases in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait, while air defence systems in several Gulf states intercepted incoming projectiles.
In Saudi Arabia, authorities said air defences shot down drones and ballistic missiles aimed at the Riyadh region, though earlier attacks have killed at least two people and injured several others.
In Kuwait, missiles struck the perimeter of Ahmad al-Jaber airbase, injuring soldiers and damaging nearby facilities.
Israel under missile fire
Air raid sirens echoed across central Israel as Iranian missiles were launched in multiple waves overnight.
Israel’s health ministry said more than 100 people were treated for injuries in the past 24 hours, while falling debris from intercepted missiles caused fires in several areas near Tel Aviv.
Reports also indicate Israel is running critically low on interceptor missiles amid the sustained barrages.
The conflict has also heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments pass.
Iran said the vital waterway has not been closed but is “under control”, even as Washington calls for an international naval coalition to ensure safe passage for tankers.
No immediate ceasefire
Despite intensifying global concern, there are no signs of an immediate ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump claimed Iran had indicated interest in negotiations but said Washington was not ready for talks until stronger terms were on the table.
With fighting spreading from Iran and Israel to Lebanon, Iraq and the Gulf, the conflict now threatens to reshape security dynamics across West Asia and destabilise global energy markets in the weeks ahead.
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