Tensions in West Asia are intensifying after the United States and Israel reportedly stepped up a series of strikes on Iran, with missiles said to have hit several strategic locations in Isfahan in central Iran.
Iranian security sources said the latest attacks resulted in dozens of casualties, though the full extent of the damage has yet to be officially confirmed.
In a strongly worded statement carried by local media, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted that Tehran had never requested a ceasefire with the United States and was prepared to face a prolonged conflict if necessary.
“Iran has never asked for negotiations to stop the fighting. We are ready for a long war if Washington chooses this path,” he said.
Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes
In response, Iran reportedly launched several missile strikes towards Israel and claimed that attacks were also carried out against US military bases in Iraq and Kuwait.
The government of Kuwait confirmed that radar systems at Kuwait International Airport were damaged, believed to be due to explosions in the vicinity.
While Israeli authorities have yet to release official figures on the scale of damage, local media reported that the country’s air defence systems operated “non-stop” throughout the night to intercept incoming threats.
Conflicting Claims Over Negotiations
In Washington, US President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian representatives had reached out to initiate new negotiations, though he said the proposals offered were “not sufficient”.
“They have contacted us… but their offer is still not good enough,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
However, officials in Iran have denied the claim, rejecting suggestions that Tehran had sought renewed talks with Washington.
Lebanon Crisis Deepens
Meanwhile, Israeli attacks along the northern frontier have caused widespread destruction in Lebanon.
Health officials in the country reported that the death toll has risen to 850 people, while more than 831,000 residents have been displaced by the ongoing violence.
International aid agencies have warned that Lebanon’s healthcare system is now “on the brink of collapse” as hospitals struggle to cope with the rising number of casualties.
Political observers have described the situation as the most serious regional crisis in a decade, warning that the continued military posture of the United States, Israel and Iran could further escalate the conflict and prolong instability across the region.
