Israel-Iran conflict enters fourth day as both exchange strikes

Israel and Iran have been attacking each other for four days now, with airstrikes and missile attacks causing many deaths and damage in both countries.

It started on Friday when Israel launched a big attack on Iran’s nuclear and military sites. Iran responded by sending drones and missiles to Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. So far, Iran says over 220 people have died from Israeli attacks. Israel says 24 people have died from Iran’s attacks.

Loud explosions were heard in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on Friday morning. Iranian TV said homes were damaged. Israel said it was hitting important military areas, including places where Iran stores nuclear material. Later, Israel bombed the Natanz nuclear site, which is a major part of Iran’s nuclear program.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack, called “Operation Rising Lion,” was meant to stop Iran from building a nuclear bomb. He said Iran could make a bomb very soon if not stopped. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which watches over nuclear programs, said there was no sign of radiation leaks after the strike.

Some important Iranian military leaders and scientists were killed in the Israeli attacks. Iran also said many civilians, including children, were among the dead.

Iran responded by sending about 100 drones and many missiles towards Israel. Most were shot down, but some caused damage and killed people. Bright flashes lit up the skies as Israel’s Iron Dome defense system tried to stop the attacks.

Both countries also hit each other’s oil sites. A large fire broke out at an oil depot in Tehran, and another fire was seen near a refinery in Israel.

The U.S. said it didn’t take part in the attacks, but said he knew about Israel’s plans before they happened. Iran’s leaders warned that Israel would face “severe punishment” and also blamed the U.S. for supporting Israel.

World leaders, including those from the UK, France, China, and Russia, are worried. Russia even offered to help stop the fighting. Talks between Iran and the U.S. about Iran’s nuclear program have been cancelled.

As the fighting continues, many fear the situation could get worse and spread to other countries.