TEHRAN, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The US-Israeli war on Iran entered its 26th day on Wednesday marked by intensifying military exchanges and a widening regional spillover even as tentative signs of diplomacy emerge amid clear differences between Washington and Tehran over the terms of engagement.
In Israel, air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles and drones as sirens sounded across multiple areas including Eilat, Jerusalem, and central regions.
No casualties were reported, though projectiles were also intercepted over the Upper and Western Galilee with one missile landing in an open area near Kiryat Shmona.
On the other side, the Iran Revolutionary Guard announced the launch of the 80th wave of its True Promise 4 operation, targeting military and strategic sites in Israel, particularly in the north.
Iranian officials described the strikes as part of a broader escalation phase.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes reportedly hit areas in eastern and western Tehran, targeting infrastructure, with damage reported to residential buildings and a school.
Diplomatically, US President Donald Trump spoke of very promising opportunities for a deal with Iran citing unprecedented seriousness.
Tehran confirmed indirect exchanges through regional mediators but reportedly rejected dealing with current US envoys, preferring direct communication with Vice President JD Vance.
Reports also indicate a 15-point US proposal under discussion though no venue for talks has been finalized.
Regionally, clashes intensified in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
The group said it carried out missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli military sites and troop gatherings near the border, while Israel expanded its operations in southern Lebanon striking infrastructure and weapons sites alongside air raids on Beirut southern suburbs.
Across the Gulf, Saudi Arabia announced intercepting missiles and drones over its eastern region while Bahrain urged residents to seek shelter after sirens sounded. Kuwait also confirmed downing multiple drones reflecting a widening aerial threat.
In Iraq, armed factions claimed responsibility for 23 attacks within 24 hours, targeting US bases using missiles and drones signaling a parallel escalation beyond the main battlefronts.
On the economic front, Iranian military sources warned that energy prices are likely to remain elevated amid ongoing instability and growing risks to supply routes.
Overall, the conflict continues to expand geographically and militarily while diplomatic efforts remain uncertain and fragmented.
