Fifth week of US and Israeli attacks on Iran: Tensions rise further

(Writing and analysis: Journalist Malik Sarfaraz Hossein Awan) The fifth week of the ongoing US and Israeli military operation against Iran has ended today. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) today released video of airstrikes targeting drones, tanks and missile launchers in Iran. These attacks resulted in massive explosions in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, where thick smoke was seen rising. In addition, attacks were also carried out near the international airport in the city of Mashhad. US President Donald Trump, addressing the nation, said that the US is close to achieving its strategic goals against Iran. He announced that severe attacks on Iran will continue in the next two to three weeks and said, "We will send them back to the Stone Age where they belong." Trump also said that countries shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz needed to show courage. The Iranian military responded quickly, threatening "devastating, widespread and more severe" attacks. Immediately after Trump's speech, Iran fired a large number of missiles towards Israel. Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and other areas. Israeli air defense systems intercepted most of the missiles, but missile debris injured at least 5 to 14 people near Tel Aviv. It was the largest missile barrage from Iran on Israel in recent weeks. Iran also launched missile attacks on Gulf countries. Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia disabled several missiles. A fire broke out at an airport in Kuwait, which was extinguished. Iranian officials said their military capabilities were still there and they would take "more devastating" actions in response. According to confirmed figures so far, at least 2,076 people have been killed and 26,500 injured in the US and Israeli attacks in Iran. Iran has rejected any request for a ceasefire and said that the fighting will continue until the US and Israel withdraw. Analysis: Situation Overview and Possible Outcomes Today’s developments once again bring the complexity of the entire conflict to the fore in a bloody reality. Imagine smoke rising in the streets of Isfahan, people fleeing their homes, and sirens blaring at Mashhad airport. US President Trump’s address is not only a declaration of military confidence, but also a message that demonstrates his determination to completely weaken Iran. But the Iranian military’s swift and powerful response suggests that this war is far from over. Iran’s missile attacks on Israel and the Gulf countries are an example of a lively response that shows that despite technological superiority, subduing regional powers is not as easy as it seems. This situation is igniting a dangerous fire for regional stability. While the US and Israel claim to have achieved their strategic goals, the threats of further attacks on Israel by Iran’s proxy forces, especially the Houthis in Yemen, are dragging the entire Middle East into a wider circle. Oil prices are skyrocketing, the shadows of a recession are deepening in global markets, and millions of families are being affected. The pain of human losses is not just in the numbers, but in the cries of every injured child, the tears in the eyes of every martyred mother. Behind the 2,076 deaths and 26,500 injuries, there are thousands of stories that can never be told. Military experts say that if this fighting continues for two to three weeks, the pressure on Iran’s economy will be unbearable. The threat of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz could affect global oil supplies, which could shake the economies of Europe, Asia, and the United States. China and Russia are still silent, but if this conflict escalates, they could also come to the fore, which could change the balance of global powers. Iran’s military capability is not yet completely exhausted. It still has missiles, drones, and underground facilities that give it the power to fight a long war. On the other hand, the American and Israeli leaderships are also facing internal pressure. The American public is feeling war fatigue, while the barrage of missiles in urban areas in Israel is spreading fear. This war is not only military but also psychological and economic. If a diplomatic solution is not found immediately, this regional crisis could turn into a world war. This situation teaches us a harsh lesson that when the use of force is excessive, its consequences are always disastrous. The Iranian nation still has the courage to resist, while the United States and Israel will also have to take care of their own goals as well as human lives. The international community must intervene immediately. The United Nations, the European Union, and the Arab League must work together to develop a peace plan to prevent further bloodshed. The situation is changing rapidly. New news is coming in every hour. If this fighting continues, it will change not only the geopolitics of the Middle East but the entire world. Restoring peace now requires not just words, but urgent action.