Amid rapidly intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran, global leaders are urging both sides to show restraint and return to diplomacy, even as missile exchanges and military strikes continue. US President Donald Trump has expressed cautious optimism about a possible ceasefire, while acknowledging that “sometimes they have to fight it out.”
Despite the violence, he believes there is still “a good chance” of a peaceful resolution and has hinted at behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts.
The conflict entered its fourth day on Monday, with Iran launching another wave of missile attacks and Israel responding with targeted airstrikes. Iran’s missiles struck Tel Aviv and Haifa, resulting in at least eight civilian deaths and significant property damage.
In retaliation, Israel’s defense forces claimed to have neutralized around 30% of Iran’s missile launch infrastructure and asserted “aerial superiority” across large parts of Iranian airspace.
The humanitarian toll continues to grow. Iranian officials have confirmed 224 fatalities and over 1,200 injuries since the conflict began. In Israel, 14 people have died. Air raid sirens in Tehran have caused widespread panic, with thousands fleeing the capital amid ongoing missile alerts.
Tensions have been further exacerbated by Iran’s announcement of a third active uranium enrichment facility and a move in parliament to draft a bill proposing withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Tehran has reiterated its opposition to developing nuclear weapons, emphasizing the peaceful intent of its nuclear program. Israel, widely believed to possess a nuclear arsenal, though never officially confirmed, remains the only regional power not party to the NPT.
International concern has mounted. A crucial US-Iran nuclear negotiation scheduled for Oman on Sunday was canceled due to the deteriorating situation.
The Group of Seven (G7) leaders adopted a resolution affirming Israel’s right to self-defense while urging both nations to avoid further escalation and prevent a broader regional conflict. The draft notably emphasized that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. However, reports indicate that Trump has not yet endorsed the G7 resolution.
Meanwhile, economic concerns are emerging. India, heavily reliant on oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, has begun assessing potential disruptions to maritime trade.
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said that an emergency meeting with shipping and trade stakeholders will be held to evaluate the conflict’s impact on freight movement. Exporters have voiced concerns that further escalation could lead to increased air and sea freight costs and hamper global trade routes.
Despite the destruction, signals have emerged suggesting both parties may be seeking off-ramps. Reports indicate Iran has reached out through Arab intermediaries to express its desire to resume nuclear negotiations.
Iran International reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was relocated to a secure underground facility in Tehran, but that Israel deliberately avoided targeting him, offering a final opportunity for de-escalation.
President Trump posted on Truth Social, suggesting ongoing diplomatic efforts: “We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! I do a lot, and never get credit… but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand.”
There have also been conflicting reports about a potential assassination plot against Ayatollah Khamenei. While CNN cited US officials claiming that such a plan was discussed and ultimately rejected by Trump, both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his spokesperson have categorically denied the existence of such a plot.
The Israeli military continues operations against what it calls the “heart” of Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure. Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared that operations will persist “as long as it takes” to eliminate the missile and nuclear threat. At the same time, he urged civilians in Tehran to evacuate as strikes intensified in cities such as Karaj, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Kermanshah.
In response, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned of possible contamination inside Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility due to the strikes, though radiation levels outside remain within safe limits. Director-General Rafael Grossi called for precautionary measures and reiterated the urgency of avoiding a nuclear-related crisis.
The broader international community has voiced growing alarm. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian President Vladimir Putin have both emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
In their joint statements, they advocated for a swift return to dialogue and the revival of nuclear negotiations. Russia specifically condemned the use of force by Israel, while also calling for an end to Iran’s missile barrage.
Reports suggest that Iran is prepared to abandon uranium enrichment under certain conditions but is seeking a “face-saving” diplomatic solution to exit the crisis.
Oil prices have dipped amid signs that back-channel diplomacy may still be viable, despite the continued military exchanges.
As both nations engage in a dangerous game of brinkmanship, the calls for restraint from world leaders, regional powers, and economic stakeholders continue to grow louder.
The fate of the region—and perhaps global stability—may hinge on whether both Tehran and Tel Aviv can pivot from retaliation to reconciliation.