TEL AVIV: The conflict between Israel and Iran escalated further on Sunday, with renewed attacks from both sides resulting in civilian casualties and prompting fears of a wider regional war.
Both militaries have issued warnings urging civilians in targeted zones to evacuate as the situation worsen, according to Reuters.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed hope that a Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada on Sunday would yield measures to de-escalate the hostilities and prevent further deterioration.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Iran has informed mediators Qatar and Oman that it is unwilling to negotiate a ceasefire with the United States while Israeli strikes are ongoing, Reuters stated.
Israel, which initiated the current round of attacks on Friday aiming to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure, advised residents living near military sites in Iran to evacuate. On Monday morning, Israel’s air force targeted missile installations in central Iran.
“Iran will face severe consequences for the killing of innocent civilians, including women and children,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated while visiting the site of an attack in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, where six people were killed.
In response, Iran’s armed forces called on Israeli civilians to leave areas near strategic facilities to avoid harm.
Oil market reacts
The conflict has had immediate effects on the global oil market. Images from Tehran showed a massive fire at a fuel depot following Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil and gas infrastructure—moves that threaten both Iran’s economy and broader global stability.
Oil prices surged as a result. Brent crude rose $2.14 (2.9%) to $76.37 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude increased by $2.03 (2.8%) to $75.01. Earlier in the session, prices had jumped over $4.
Iran’s Health Ministry reported that since the Israeli strikes began, 224 people have died and over 1,200 have been injured—most of them civilians. Saturday alone saw 60 deaths, half of them children, when a 14-story residential building was destroyed in Tehran.
Tel Aviv came under attack Sunday afternoon as Iran launched its first daytime missile barrage since the conflict reignited. At least 10 people, including children, have been reported dead, Israeli authorities said.
Later that evening, a second wave of Iranian missiles hit a residential street in Haifa, injuring nine. Two additional injuries were reported following another strike in southern Israel.
In Bat Yam, residents were still reeling from the devastation. Many Israelis spent the night in fear, bracing for more attacks.
“It’s terrifying. People are losing everything—their homes, their families,” said Shem, 29, whose apartment was shaken by a nearby missile strike.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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