Missile Attacks on Israeli Cities Escalate Tensions
Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa in Israel before dawn on Monday, destroying homes and raising concerns among global leaders at the G7 meeting this week that the ongoing feud between the two long-time adversaries could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
At least 5 people have died in the recent Iranian attacks, raising the death toll in Israel to 18 since Friday, with over 100 more injured. These attacks are part of a wave of retaliatory strikes by Tehran against Israel’s preventive attacks on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Search and Rescue Operations in Haifa
In Haifa, search and rescue operations were underway as around 30 people sustained injuries, according to emergency services. Meanwhile, dozens of rescuers rushed to the attacked areas. Reports indicated fires at a nearby power station, as per media outlets.
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Targeted
Video footage showed multiple missiles over Tel Aviv, with explosions heard in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Several residential buildings in a densely populated Tel Aviv neighborhood were destroyed after an attack shattered windows in nearby hotels and residences, close to the US embassy in the city.
The US ambassador reported minor damage to the embassy building but no injuries among staff.
“Unprecedented Terror” in Tel Aviv
Guydo Tetelbaum, a 31-year-old chef in Tel Aviv, shared his experience when alerts came in just after 4 am local time:
“As usual, we went into the nearby shelter. Within minutes, the shelter’s door was blown off…”
“A few bloody people entered, all cut up. After the calm settled, we saw that there wasn’t much left… The walls are crumbling, the glass is gone…”
“It’s terrifying because it’s so unknown. This could be the start of something that might last longer, or get worse, hopefully not. But uncertainty is what scares us the most.”
New Method Employed by Iran
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed that a new method was used in the latest attack, causing Israel’s multi-layered defense systems to target each other.
“Despite extensive support from the United States and Western powers, as well as possession of the most advanced and novel defense technology, this operation achieved success and maximum impact on targets in occupied territories,” they stated.
Israeli Military Response Unavailable
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the attacks. Israeli authorities have repeatedly stated that their “Iron Dome” defense system is not 100% effective and have warned of challenging days ahead.
At least 224 people have died in Iran, with 90% being civilians, according to an Iranian Health Ministry spokesperson. The Israeli military reported early Monday that it had struck again at command centers belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and army.
G7 Leaders Meeting Amidst Escalating Tensions
World leaders began their meeting on Sunday in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, with the Israel-Iran conflict expected to be a top priority.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlined his goals for the summit, which include preventing Iran from developing or possessing nuclear weapons, ensuring Israel’s right to self-defense, avoiding conflict escalation, and creating space for diplomacy.
“Iran Issue to Be Highly Prominent on G7 Agenda” – Merz
Merz told the press, “This issue will occupy a very prominent place on the agenda of the G7 summit.”
Before departing for the summit on Sunday, US President Donald Trump was asked about de-escalation efforts. He responded, “I hope there will be an agreement. I believe it’s time to reach an agreement… Sometimes, you have to fight first.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Monday before Parliament that Iran has no intention of producing nuclear weapons but will continue exercising its right to nuclear energy and research.
Oil Prices Rise Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty
Brent crude futures rose 0.70 dollars, or 1%, to 74.94 dollars per barrel in the Asian session following the news, briefly surging up to 4 dollars during the day. Although the oil price surge has investors on edge, stock and currency markets remained relatively stable in Asia.
“Right now, it’s more about oil history than equities,” said Jim Carroll, a financial advisor and portfolio manager at Ballast Rock Private Wealth. “Stocks seem to be holding up.”
Trump Vetoes Plan to Assassinate Jamenei
In Washington, two US sources told Reuters that Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan in recent days to assassinate Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
When asked about the Reuters article, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday, “There are many false reports about conversations that never happened, and I won’t engage in that.”
“We Do What We Need to Do” – Netanyahu
“We do what we need to do,” Netanyahu said on “Special Report With Bret Baier” on Fox.
Israel launched the offensive with a surprise attack on Friday that crippled Iran’s military command and damaged its nuclear facilities, claiming the campaign will intensify in coming days.
Iran has vowed to “open the gates of hell” in retaliation.
Trump Warns Iran Against Targeting US Interests
Trump has praised Israel’s offensive while denying Iranian accusations of US involvement and warning Iran against expanding its reprisals to include US targets.
Two US sources said on Friday that the US military had assisted in shooting down Iranian missiles headed towards Israel.
Trump has repeatedly stated that Iran could end the war if it agreed to impose strict limitations on its nuclear program, which Iran claims is peaceful but Western countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) say could be used to build an atomic bomb.
The latest round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US, scheduled for Sunday, was canceled after Tehran said it would not negotiate while being attacked by Israel.
