Jerusalem: The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified into a third consecutive day of missile exchanges, marking the most dangerous escalation in years between the two longtime adversaries.

Iran launched a fresh barrage of missiles into Israeli territory overnight Saturday into Sunday, killing at least 10 people, including children, and injuring nearly 200, according to Israeli emergency services. Sirens and explosions were reported in multiple cities, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, prompting millions of civilians to seek shelter.

In response, Israel carried out a series of strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, as well as infrastructure targets such as air defense systems and oil depots. Iranian media outlets reported significant damage, including at least two oil facilities near Tehran and a building belonging to the Defense Ministry. While official Iranian casualty figures have not been updated, Tehran previously confirmed that 78 people were killed and 320 injured in earlier Israeli strikes.

The Israeli military also claimed to have intercepted seven drones approaching its airspace and said it continues to monitor and target missile launchers inside Iran. Additionally, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, aligned with Tehran, claimed responsibility for firing missiles at Israel on Sunday.

The conflict has already had far-reaching implications beyond the battlefield. Nuclear diplomacy between Iran and the United States appears to have collapsed, with Tehran pulling out of scheduled talks in Oman. Iranian President Masoud Peshmerga declared that Iran will not engage in nuclear negotiations as long as Israeli attacks persist. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of deliberately undermining diplomacy by attacking nuclear sites and vowed a firm response.

International concern over the rapidly worsening situation is growing. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a phone conversation Saturday, called for an end to hostilities. However, Trump stated that the United States had no involvement in Israel’s military operations, warning Iran against retaliating against American interests.

Meanwhile, Iraq has initiated diplomatic contact with both Tehran and Washington in a bid to prevent a wider regional war. With both Iran and Israel showing no signs of backing down, analysts warn that continued escalation could drag the Middle East into a prolonged and destabilizing conflict.