The Israel-Iran conflict has entered its fifth day with no signs of de-escalation, as both nations continue to exchange military strikes. The humanitarian toll is rising sharply with at least 224 people killed in Iran and 24 in Israel since hostilities erupted. Civilians in flashpoint zones are facing relentless attacks. The ongoing conflict has also increased the Google search trend for Iran Israel war updates.
US President Donald Trump, who left the G7 summit early, dismissed claims that his departure was to broker a ceasefire. Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he is working on “something much bigger” and warned Iranian civilians to evacuate Tehran. He contradicted his own intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard’s assessment of Iran’s nuclear proximity.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that recent strikes have “significantly set back” Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Israel has reportedly hit three key nuclear sites in Iran, although the full extent of damage remains unclear.
Despite the military escalation, the US insists that a nuclear deal with Iran is still a goal. French President Emmanuel Macron earlier said Washington had floated a ceasefire proposal, which Trump denied.
In a major blow to Tehran’s leadership, Israel said it has eliminated key figures in Iran’s military hierarchy. Among the casualties is Ali Shadmani, Iran’s newly appointed wartime chief of staff, killed just four days into his role. His predecessor was also reportedly killed in earlier Israeli strikes. The loss of several top aides has left Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s inner circle in disarray.
In response to growing instability, Iran’s cyber security command has banned officials from using personal communications devices, according to the Fars news agency.