US-Israel war with Iran enters eighth day as regional strikes escalate and casualties rise

The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its eighth day, with fighting spreading across the Middle East and raising fears of a wider regional war.

President Donald Trump signaled the possibility of further escalation, writing on social media that Iran would be hit “very hard.” He also suggested the United States could widen its targets inside Iran as the conflict continues.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a televised address saying Iran would never surrender, while also apologizing to neighboring Gulf nations for attacks and promising they would not be targeted unless their territories are used to launch strikes against Iran.

Meanwhile, Israel launched what it described as a large wave of airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure, deploying about 80 jets in a broad attack. The strikes followed days of intense bombardment across the country. Explosions were reported across Tehran, including at Mehrabad Airport.

According to U.S. Central Command, more than 3,000 targets inside Iran have been struck since the conflict began. Iranian state media reports that more than 1,200 people have been killed so far, including civilians.

The conflict has also spread beyond Iran and Israel. Nearly 300 people have been killed in Lebanon since Israeli strikes began earlier in the week. Israel has issued evacuation orders in parts of southern Lebanon and Beirut as it targets Hezbollah forces.

Drone and missile attacks have also been reported in several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi officials said their defenses intercepted multiple drones heading toward the Shaybah oil field.

The war has displaced hundreds of thousands of people across the region. Aid groups estimate nearly half a million residents have been forced to flee their homes in Lebanon alone.

The United Nations has warned that the escalating violence could spiral into a much larger regional conflict if diplomatic efforts fail to contain the fighting.

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