The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is escalating. Israel launched large-scale attacks on Tehran, targeting military and intelligence installations in Iran. After announcing an offensive against homes and bridges in southern Lebanon near the strategic Litani River, Israel bombarded the main highway in the region and isolated Tyre, the most important city in southern Lebanon. For Lebanon's president, Joseph Aoun, these aggressions "constitute a violation of Lebanon's sovereignty and are considered a prelude to a ground invasion." During a visit to Arad—one of the areas hit by an Iranian missile—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country is "crushing the enemy and winning the battle" against Iran and called on other nations to join the offensive. Israel reported that Iran has launched over 400 ballistic missiles since February 28, and approximately 92% have been intercepted. According to Iran's Ministry of Health estimates, at least 210 children have died and another 1,510 have been injured in Iran since the war began on February 28. However, the opposition NGO HRANA, based in the US, puts the death toll at 3,230, including 1,406 civilians. In Lebanon, the war has caused more than a thousand deaths and hundreds of thousands of displaced people. Attacks against Israel resulted in 15 deaths in Israeli territory and 4 women in the occupied West Bank. In response to Tehran's ultimatum, which gave 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Iran stated its readiness to "completely" close the passage. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said: "Threats and terrorism only strengthen our unity. The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation before the will of a nation that makes history."
