Israel launches deepest strikes yet into Iran as Trump blocks Khamenei hit plan

A direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran has now extended into its fifth day, with Israeli jets continuing their long-range operations into Iranian territory. The escalating conflict, which began with a surprise Israeli strike last week targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, has now reached new levels of intensity, as U.S. sources confirm that President Donald Trump rejected an Israeli plan to assassinate Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Why is Israel targeting missile infrastructure deep inside Iran and how far have the strikes reached?

Israel’s military confirmed overnight strikes in central Iran on Monday, specifically targeting surface-to-surface missile sites believed to be critical to Iran’s retaliation capabilities. In the most extensive move yet, Israeli aircraft reportedly struck a refueling aircraft at Mashhad Airport, more than 2,300 kilometers from Israeli territory. The Israel Defense Forces said these deeper operations are designed to secure air superiority over Iranian skies and degrade long-range threats.

How many drones and missiles has Iran launched toward Israel since Friday and what damage has been done?

Since the offensive began, Israeli forces have intercepted more than 100 Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles, including surveillance and kamikaze drones. Alongside these, multiple missile salvos from Iran have struck Israeli territory, prompting deployment of home-front rescue teams to areas like Tel Aviv and the northern Galilee region. Officials confirmed civilian infrastructure damage, although full casualty figures from the Iranian strikes have not been released.

What are the civilian casualties reported by Iran and how is the situation unfolding domestically?

Iran’s Ministry of Health has reported at least 224 deaths and more than 1,200 injuries in cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz due to Israeli airstrikes. Hospitals and emergency services in these areas are overwhelmed. Eyewitness accounts describe chaos near vital infrastructure hubs, including fuel depots, hospitals, and transport centers.

What did Trump reportedly tell Israel about targeting Iran’s supreme leader?

United States sources indicate that President Trump blocked an Israeli proposal to assassinate Ayatollah Khamenei. The decision stemmed from concerns regarding escalation and the fact that Iran had not directly attacked American personnel. Israeli officials, when questioned, did not reveal whether Khamenei was a target, stating only that “no one who threatens Israel’s survival is off limits.”

What are Iran’s claims about U.S. involvement and how did the nuclear talks collapse?

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran does not believe U.S. claims of neutrality, contending that Israel could not have executed strikes without American support. He confirmed that nuclear negotiations planned in Oman were halted and called for the IAEA to investigate alleged attacks on Iran’s Natanz facility. He also insisted Iran’s retaliatory strikes were “legitimate self-defense” and would cease only if Israeli strikes end.

What has Netanyahu said about Israel’s strategic objectives and possible regime targets?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stopped short of confirming whether Iran’s leadership is targeted, but stated that “any regime threatening the destruction of Israel will be dealt with decisively.” He emphasized Israel’s willingness to act independently in its national interest, without disclosing specifics on target priorities.

What is the broader geopolitical fallout as oil prices rise and G7 leaders react?

The ongoing conflict is capturing global attention. Brent crude oil prices climbed above $85 per barrel amid concerns over regional supply disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz. G7 members gathered in Canada are expected to address the crisis, balancing support for Israel’s security with calls to prevent escalation. Russia and China have urged an immediate ceasefire via a UN emergency session, while Gulf Arab states have raised their military readiness.

How is the Israeli public responding and what is the mood inside Iran?

In Israel, civil defense systems remain on alert, and shelters have been activated across several cities. Public morale appears resilient despite anxiety. In Iran, social media reports indicate anti-government protests in Tehran and Shiraz, with some citizens criticizing the regime for provoking international conflict. Iranian state media continues to condemn Israel’s action as “Zionist terrorism” and vows “severe consequences.”

What other fronts are expanding as the Israel-Iran conflict spreads beyond their borders?

The conflict has extended beyond Iran and Israel’s direct engagement. Houthi militants in Yemen launched missiles and drones toward southern Israel, some intercepted near Ben Gurion Airport. Iranian naval forces have been spotted near the Strait of Hormuz, increasing the risk of clashes with Western naval fleets. Military analysts warn that any Western military assistance to Israel could trigger broader regional confrontations involving Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.

What are military analysts saying about the risk of a wider regional war and Middle East power shift?

Military analysts and regional defense strategists warn that the Israel–Iran conflict MAY spiral into a sustained multi-theater war, drawing parallels with the 2006 Lebanon War and early Gulf conflict dynamics. This marks a departure from prior indirect confrontations, as Israel is now engaging in deep-penetration strikes on sovereign territory, including surface-to-surface missile platforms and refueling operations deep inside Iran.

Think tanks such as the Institute for National Security Studies and the International Institute for Strategic Studies report that the campaign’s intensity—described by some as “precision saturation”—signifies a broader effort to degrade Iran’s military core and establish long-term regional dominance.

Iran’s use of ballistic missiles, drone swarms, and proxy launches from Yemen underscores a hybrid warfare model intended to project influence beyond its borders. Analysts say this not only challenges Israel’s defensive posture but sends a regional message of asymmetric retaliation capabilities.

In the U.S., Washington defense circles have cited concerns that if Iranian attacks inadvertently hit Western assets—such as naval vessels in the Gulf—Washington could be compelled into a more direct role, despite President Trump’s current reluctance. That reluctance was made clear via the decision to withdraw support for an operation targeting Khamenei.

Diplomatically, the situation is deteriorating rapidly. Iran has suspended nuclear negotiations, requested IAEA intervention, and there is currently no UN or major-power-backed ceasefire initiative. Analysts warn that without a diplomatic off-ramp, the conflict risks normalization of direct conflict in the Middle East.

Psychological operations are being used to bolster domestic support and strategic posture. Israel presents real-time videos of deep-strike successes; Iran broadcasts footage of civilian suffering. This media-driven escalation raises the potential for miscalculation under intense public pressure.

Economically, energy security is at risk. Brent crude recently surged toward $85 per barrel, and analysts warn that any disruption near the Strait of Hormuz could threaten up to 20% of global oil shipments. Key importers like India, Japan, and South Korea are already evaluating strategic stockpiling and supplier diversification measures.

Strategically, the stakes are high. Israel’s ability to strike deep within Iran signals a deterrence doctrine shift. Iran’s regional alliances with proxy groups signal a broader conflict unless de-escalation measures are engineered. Without credible diplomatic intervention, analysts warn that this confrontation may drag in regional powers like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt—transforming a bilateral crisis into a multi-nation security imperative.