Key Facts
- Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles targeting civilian areas in Israel, including a strike on Soroka hospital in Beersheba causing extensive damage and injuries, with at least 47 people injured and 18 more hurt while running to shelter.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the missile strike and vowed to exact the full price from Tehran, calling Iran's leaders terrorist tyrants .
- Israel retaliated by attacking Iran's Arak heavy water reactor and Natanz nuclear facility, with no major damage reported at Arak.
- Iran responded with over 400 missiles and hundreds of drones, causing at least 24 deaths and hundreds wounded in Israel.1
- US President Donald Trump hinted at possible US involvement, expressing indecision about supporting Israel's campaign but warning Iran of severe repercussions and claiming US control of Iranian skies.
- Oil prices surged more than 20% in June due to the Israel-Iran conflict, with the US national average gasoline price rising to $3.19 per gallon and potential to spike above $5 if escalation continues.
- Asian shares and global stocks declined amid fears of wider regional conflict and speculation about US military intervention, with Japan's Nikkei 225 falling 1.0% and investors seeking safe havens like gold and the US dollar.
- Trump's heavy consumption of Fox News and Senator Lindsey Graham's advocacy have increased pressure for direct US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.
According to an administration official and another close associate of the commander-in-chief, Trump’s heavy consumption of Fox News content is increasing his appetite for direct military confrontation with Iran.
Rollingstone
US weighs options: US President Donald Trump has held a Situation Room meeting to . While saying earlier that his patience “has already run out” with Tehran, Trump indicated he has not yet made a final decision on whether the US would get involved.
Cnn
A hospital in the Israeli town of Beersheba has been hit by an Iranian missile on the seventh day of the conflict between the two countries. Iran said the strike had targeted a military site close to the hospital, not the facility itself. At least 89 people were injured in the overnight attacks - which hit locations across Israel - according to Israel's emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA.)
Bbc
In retaliation, Iran has fired some 400 missiles and hundreds of drones, killing at least 24 people in Israel and wounding hundreds.
Politico
1
As the Israel-Iran conflict enters its seventh day, US President Donald Trump's next move has kept the world on edge, with no clear indication of whether the United States will strike the Islamic Republic.
Livemint
"Market participants remain edgy and uncertain," said Kyle Rodda, senior financial markets analyst at Capital.com. "Speculation remains rife – fed probably strategically by the Trump administration – that the U.S. will intervene, something that would mark a material escalation and could invite direct retaliation against the U.S. by Iran," he said.
Reuters
Oil prices could surge from a current level of about $73 per barrel up to $120 per barrel if the Israel-Iran conflict damages Iranian oil infrastructure or impedes the passage of some oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Yahoo Finance
Asian shares retreated Thursday as worries persisted about conflict in the Middle East. Ratcheting up tensions, President Donald Trump warned of the possibility of getting directly involved in the conflict with Israel, while rejected Oil prices rose while U.S. futures declined.
Finance
Key Stats at a Glance
U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures price increase
more than 20%
US national average gasoline price
$3.19 per gallon
Japan's Nikkei 225 index decline
1.0%