US-Iran Tensions Escalate as Missile Strikes Jerusalem on Eid

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated significantly, marked by missile strikes and military deployments in the region. The U.S. Central Command reported that American forces have conducted strikes on over 8,000 Iranian military targets since the conflict intensified in late February.

Amid these developments, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, extending Eid and Nowruz greetings. Modi expressed hope that the festivities would contribute to stability and peace in the West Asia region and condemned the attacks on critical infrastructure, emphasising the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in shipping lanes.

Recent attacks from Iran included strikes on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport following ongoing U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility. Iran’s Tasnim news agency has reported that local residents were not at risk and that there were no radioactive leaks as a result of the strikes.

Iran's military reportedly launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles aimed at the U.S.-UK military base in Diego Garcia, located approximately 4,000 km from Iranian territory. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, one missile malfunctioned mid-flight while the other was intercepted by a U.S. warship’s missile defence system, though the details of the interception are uncertain.

In statements reflecting the ongoing conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that he does not desire a ceasefire with Iran. He indicated that the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz would 'open itself' at a certain juncture, adding that involvement from China would be beneficial. Following the outbreak of violence, oil prices experienced a notable rise, with Brent crude settling at $108.65 per barrel, its highest since 2022.

In diplomatic developments, Iranian officials have begun discussions with Japan concerning a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for Japanese shipping vessels. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the strait remains open for non-hostile nations, while continuing to assert that vessels from adversarial nations would face restrictions.

Iran has also reiterated its ability to conduct missile strikes, with recent actions targeting public spaces and infrastructure in Gulf Arab states. Meanwhile, Israel has responded with heavy airstrikes targeting locations within Tehran as Iranians observed the Nowruz celebrations, marking the Persian New Year.

In a broader context, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei addressed the nation, describing the conflict as extending beyond traditional warfare to encompass all facets of national resistance against perceived global threats. His remarks were part of his Eid and Nowruz message, which included condolences to the families of those killed in the conflict.

In a show of military strength, the United States has sent three additional warships and roughly 2,500 marines to the Middle East, with the Pentagon seeking congressional approval for an additional $200 billion to support military operations as national debt mounts over $39 trillion.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel would cease attacks on a significant Iranian gas field following a direct request from Donald Trump, while Iran has intensified its strikes on energy infrastructure across the broader Middle East in response.

As the conflict continues to evolve, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also reached out to the Iranian Foreign Minister, reiterating India's stance on the importance of stability in the region. He noted the recent discussions were centred around the conflict's implications for West Asia.

With the situation developing rapidly, both nations appear to be preparing for further military engagements, and international observers remain concerned about the possible repercussions for peace and security in the region.