Iran, Israel Exchange Missile Strikes Amid Escalating Conflict

The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated into a full-scale war, marked by missile attacks and airstrikes targeting both military and civilian sites. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of intensified strikes on strategic Iranian targets after Iranian missiles hit locations in Israel, including the Soroka Medical Center, which sustained damage but had been largely evacuated. Iranian residents, particularly in Tehran, describe a grim reality of fear, displacement, and scarcity, with many fleeing the city while supermarkets remain stocked but largely unvisited. Despite the turmoil, some Iranians like Mahsa choose to stay in Tehran, hoping homes are spared and expressing mixed sentiments toward Israel and the United States. The United States has reiterated strong support for Israel, which is engaged in pre-emptive strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, while Iran maintains alliances with regional militant groups and global powers like China and Russia. Both societies are experiencing profound disruptions as the conflict deepens, with civilians in Jerusalem and Tehran recounting the shock and adjustment to life under constant threat.