The statement comes from senior Israeli military officials, who said that despite striking thousands of targets since the start of the campaign, the armed forces have “thousands more” to hit and are prepared to maintain pressure on Tehran alongside U.S. forces.

Intensified Air Campaign Across Iran

Overnight, Israeli air forces launched fresh strikes across multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Shiraz and Tabriz, targeting what military officials described as command and control facilities, air defense batteries and missile production sites. The scale and frequency of these operations underline Israel’s commitment to degrading Iran’s military capability.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin emphasized that the operation is far from over, saying the military has plans extending through at least the next three weeks, with contingency plans for even longer if necessary.

The U.S. military has also supported many of the operations, though Washington has offered limited public detail on the extent of American involvement, and U.S. officials have been cautious in commenting directly on the duration of military engagements.

Iran and Allies Hit Back

Iranian forces have responded with a flurry of missile and drone attacks, not only aimed at Israeli territory but also directed at allied targets in the region, including U.S. installations and Gulf states’ infrastructure. In recent days, Iranian attacks have struck locations such as Dubai International Airport and ports in neighboring countries, highlighting the conflict’s widening scope.

Tehran has vowed to continue defending itself and denounced Israeli strikes as unlawful and devastating. Iranian government officials have also accused Israel of committing “ecocide” with attacks on civilian infrastructure like fuel depots, a charge that has drawn international condemnation and heightened fears of broader humanitarian impacts.

Global Impact and Geopolitical Ripples

The intensifying conflict has had major repercussions far beyond the battlefield. Global oil markets have been roiled by the uncertainty, with Brent crude prices climbing above $104.50 per barrel amid fears of disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies. The nearby Strait of Hormuz through which an estimated 20% of global oil passes was temporarily closed, prompting urgent calls from some world leaders for international efforts to keep the vital shipping lane open.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has been pushing for allied support to secure strategic maritime routes and urging a broader international response. Some key partners, however have been hesitant to commit military assets, leaving Washington and Israel to shoulder most of the immediate operational burden.

Civilian Toll and Humanitarian Concerns

The ongoing aerial bombardment and retaliatory strikes have taken a heavy toll on civilians across multiple countries. Casualty estimates continue to rise as health and aid agencies struggle to reach impacted areas. Infrastructure damage in both urban and rural regions has disrupted essential services, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian access and cease‑fire negotiations.

International figures, including Pope Leo, have condemned the violence and called for an immediate end to hostilities, stressing the immense suffering experienced by civilians and urging diplomatic avenues to be pursued.

What’s Next?

As Israel signals it is prepared to sustain operations for weeks to come, analysts warn that the conflict could enter a protracted phase, with shifting objectives and evolving military priorities on both sides.

The coming weeks are likely to be critical in determining whether diplomatic pressure, battlefield developments or global economic impacts will influence the trajectory of the war or whether the Middle East will face an even wider and more destructive conflagration.

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The war began on February 28, when U.S. forces, alongside Israel, launched airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear-related facilities. The operation severely damaged parts of Iran’s missile, naval and defense infrastructure, but Tehran has continued to retaliate with missile and drone attacks and threats against international shipping lanes.

White House Divided on War Strategy

Inside the White House, officials are reportedly split on how to proceed as the conflict shows no clear path to resolution. Some advisers argue that the administration should move quickly toward declaring victory and seek a diplomatic off-ramp to avoid a prolonged war. They warn that rising global oil prices and regional instability could trigger domestic political backlash in the United States.

Others within the administration including several Republican foreign-policy hawks believe the U.S. should continue applying military pressure on Tehran. Their goal is to further weaken Iran’s military capabilities and ensure that the country cannot advance its nuclear program.

The debate reflects a broader struggle over how to frame the outcome of the war, with advisers seeking to influence the president’s messaging and strategy as the conflict evolves.

Shifting Messages from the President

President Trump himself has delivered mixed public signals about the future of the war. At campaign rallies and public appearances, he has suggested that the United States is close to achieving victory. At other times, he has indicated that military operations may continue until Iran’s capabilities are significantly degraded.

Trump had previously campaigned on limiting U.S. involvement in long foreign wars, making the current conflict politically sensitive as it risks evolving into a prolonged military engagement in the Middle East.

Regional and Global Implications

The conflict has already destabilized parts of the Middle East and rattled global energy markets. Iranian forces and allied groups have threatened shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit corridors. Disruptions in the region have raised fears of wider economic consequences if the fighting continues.

Meanwhile, analysts warn that even significant military damage to Iran’s infrastructure may not be enough to force a political settlement. Iranian leadership structures remain intact despite heavy losses and leadership changes, leaving uncertainty over whether Tehran will negotiate or continue resisting military pressure.

Search for an Exit Strategy

As the war drags on, the central challenge for the White House is how to end the conflict without appearing to concede strategic ground. Some advisers believe the administration could declare that key objectives such as degrading Iran’s military capabilities have been achieved and move toward negotiations. Others insist that stopping now could allow Iran to regroup and rebuild its military programs.

With midterm elections approaching and global tensions rising, the administration faces increasing pressure to find a clear path forward. For now, the war’s endgame remains uncertain, and the internal struggle within Washington may play a decisive role in determining how the conflict ultimately concludes.

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Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China “does not agree” with strikes targeting Gulf countries and strongly condemned attacks on civilians and non-military infrastructure.

China Calls for Restraint

The statement comes amid intensifying military exchanges in the region following the outbreak of the 2026 Iran war, involving Iran, Israel and allied forces. Beijing emphasized that all sides should avoid actions that could further destabilize the Middle East.

Chinese officials stressed that attacks on civilian facilities or populated areas are unacceptable and called on all parties to exercise restraint while pursuing diplomatic solutions.

China has consistently urged negotiations and de-escalation since the conflict erupted, warning that continued military escalation could threaten global security and economic stability.

Iranian Strikes Across the Gulf

Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting several Gulf states during the conflict. The strikes have affected countries including Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman where military installations, infrastructure and shipping routes have come under attack.

Some of the attacks have also targeted commercial shipping lanes and strategic infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, raising fears about the safety of international energy supplies and global trade.

Regional air defense systems have intercepted many incoming missiles and drones, but several strikes have still caused casualties and damage to infrastructure.

Beijing Balances Regional Ties

China maintains strong economic and diplomatic relationships with both Iran and Gulf Arab states, making the conflict particularly sensitive for Beijing. The country is a major importer of Middle Eastern oil and has invested heavily in regional infrastructure and trade networks.

While China has criticized attacks on Gulf nations, it has also condemned U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran and called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations to resolve the crisis.

Analysts say Beijing is trying to maintain a balanced diplomatic stance defending regional stability while protecting its strategic partnerships across the Middle East.

Growing International Concern

The widening conflict has sparked global concern as fighting spreads beyond Israel and Iran into the broader Gulf region. Rising oil prices, threats to shipping routes and attacks on civilian infrastructure have increased fears of a prolonged regional war.

China has reiterated its support for diplomatic mediation and warned that further escalation could have serious consequences for the global economy and international security.

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In recent statements, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi bluntly dismissed the prospect of resuming diplomatic talks with the United States, saying that discussions are no longer on Tehran’s agenda while hostilities persist. “Negotiation with Americans… is not on the table,” Araghchi said in remarks reported by state media, citing past experiences of broken promises and military aggression against Iran.

Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s position that its military actions are a legitimate response to what it frames as U.S. and Israeli attacks. “We will continue to defend ourselves and use our capabilities for as long as needed,” he said, emphasizing that Iran is prepared to sustain its offensive operations.

Missile strategy and military posture

Iran’s defensive posture is backed by its expanding missile arsenal, which includes medium‑range ballistic systems capable of striking targets across the region. Iranian military forces have demonstrated a willingness to deploy missiles with significant destructive capacity against enemy positions, including U.S. and allied bases in the Gulf.

One such system, the Qassem Bassir missile, is an Iranian medium‑range ballistic missile with an advertised range of about 1,200 km and advanced guidance capabilities, designed to strike strategic targets with precision.

Other systems in Iran’s arsenal include the Fateh‑110 series, a family of tactical ballistic missiles capable of carrying substantial payloads over shorter distances, commonly deployed in regional conflicts.

While Tehran has not publicly detailed the full extent of its inventory, these systems underscore Iran’s commitment to a strategy that integrates missile strikes as a central element of its defense and deterrence.

U.S. officials have repeatedly cited Iran’s missile capabilities as a threat in broader security discussions, including concerns about potential development of longer‑range systems. Washington has used such warnings to justify pre‑emptive actions to degrade Tehran’s military infrastructure, although the Iranians have contested assessments that their missiles could reach U.S. soil.

War of attrition and regional impact

The intensified campaign comes after weeks of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iranian military sites, including installations tied to its nuclear and missile programs. Iran’s leadership has argued that the campaign constitutes aggression that must be repelled, and has repeatedly stated that ceasefire conditions must include explanations for what Tehran calls unjustified attacks.

As Iran continues its missile operations, the conflict has expanded across the Middle East with attacks reported in multiple Gulf states and alarming civilian and military casualties across the theater. Diplomats and analysts warn that the absence of meaningful dialogue increases the risk of further escalation.

The Iranian government’s hardline position, combined with its missile strategy, signals a war of endurance that Tehran believes it can sustain, even as Western officials assert that Iranian capabilities have been degraded by sustained strikes.

U.S. response and geopolitical stakes

U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained that the conflict could soon conclude, asserting that American military objectives have been largely achieved and that pressures on Iran will force a swift end to hostilities. However, Iran’s rejection of ceasefire talks under current conditions challenges that narrative and suggests that military engagement may continue for an uncertain period.

In the absence of diplomatic breakthroughs, both sides appear entrenched in positions that emphasize strength over negotiation. Tehran’s refusal to consider a ceasefire as long as attacks persist underscores a deepening divide that now shapes policy and military strategy across the region.

The situation remains highly volatile, with global markets, regional security alliances and humanitarian conditions all likely to be affected by the next phase of this conflict.

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