Israel, Iran Exchange Strikes Targeting Nuclear Sites Amid Escalation

Israel and Iran have escalated their conflict with a series of airstrikes targeting nuclear and military sites, including repeated attacks on Iran's Isfahan nuclear facility, which Iran insists remains secure with no hazardous material leaks. Israel claims to have killed several high-ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders involved in supporting militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, while Iran warns of a more devastating retaliation if the strikes continue and refuses to halt its nuclear program. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping condemned the Israeli attacks, emphasizing that a diplomatic solution and ceasefire should be prioritized to avoid further escalation and regional spillover. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed determination to hold Tehran accountable, suggesting that while regime change is not the primary goal, conditions may be created to encourage Iranian people to seek freedom. Meanwhile, US military assets, including B-2 bombers, have been deployed in the Pacific amid concerns of potential wider involvement, though former President Donald Trump indicated a temporary pause to allow for diplomacy. The conflict has also drawn warnings from Yemen’s Houthi militants threatening US naval forces if they intervene on Israel's behalf.