Dangerous Escalation in the Iran-Israel Conflict: Assassinations, Missile Strikes, and Imminent U.S. Military Involvement

A Third U.S. Aircraft Carrier Heads to the Middle East Amid War Warnings

A U.S. Navy official announced that the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford will leave its Norfolk base on Tuesday, heading through Europe towards the Middle East. The Gerald R. Ford is the newest and largest aircraft carrier in the American fleet (weighing 100,000 tons) and entered service in 2017.

Its deployment adds to two other carriers already in the region: the USS Carl Vinson, active for months in the Middle East and previously involved in airstrikes on the Houthi group in Yemen, and the USS Nimitz, which departed from the South China Sea and is now in route to the region.

In parallel, the U.S. military has flown large aircraft to its European bases and withdrawn dozens of fighter jets from Qatar’s Al Udeid base, anticipating potential Iranian strikes.

Trump Holds the War Decision and Threatens to End Iran’s Nuclear Program

Amid rising tensions, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said President Donald Trump holds the final say regarding American military involvement against Iran. Trump has hinted at pursuing a political solution but also expressed skepticism about the chances of diplomacy, promising to do “whatever is necessary” to stop Iran’s nuclear program.

The White House announced that a decision will be made within the next two weeks, fueling speculation about a possible direct American military intervention.

Israeli Assassinations and Iranian Strikes: A Two-Front Battle

The Israeli army announced on Saturday the assassination of three senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders in overnight airstrikes targeting central and western Iran. Among the high-profile figures killed:

• Saeed Izadi, commander of the Quds Force’s Palestine Corps, is accused by Israel of coordinating with Hamas and being aware of the October 7 attack plan. He allegedly oversaw Hamas activities in Lebanon.

• Behnam Shahriari, also a Quds Force commander, allegedly supervised the transfer of weapons and funds to Hamas and Hezbollah.

A drone unit commander in the Revolutionary Guard Air Force was killed in strikes on Isfahan and Qom.

The Israeli military claimed that around 50 fighter jets took part in the strikes. Iranian state TV reported that a residential building in Qom was hit, killing a child and injuring two others.

In retaliation, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched multiple waves of missile and drone strikes on Israeli targets, including Ben Gurion Airport and key military sites in Tel Aviv and Haifa. This marked the 18th wave of Iran’s “True Promise 3” operation.

Dozens of explosions rocked major cities, with fires breaking out in Holon and Tel Aviv. A missile hit Be’er Sheva directly without interception, causing numerous injuries. Reports noted the use of cluster warheads and heavy long-range ballistic missiles.

Mass Evacuations of U.S. Citizens and Alarming Security Alerts

A classified U.S. State Department cable revealed that hundreds of American citizens have left Iran overland in the past week, facing delays and harassment. At least two Americans were detained while trying to exit.

The U.S. embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, requested entry for over 100 Americans from Iran, but no approval has been granted. Meanwhile, the State Department began organizing evacuation flights, commercial charters, and cruise ships for Americans in Israel.

By Friday, over 6,400 U.S. citizens had submitted evacuation forms. The U.S. warned that dual citizens are considered Iranian under Iranian law and face serious risk of detention.

European Diplomacy Efforts Stumble Amid Iranian Resistance

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with European counterparts in Geneva, reaffirming Tehran’s refusal to engage in direct talks with the U.S. while Israeli attacks continue. He expressed openness to limiting uranium enrichment under a model similar to the 2015 deal but rejected halting enrichment or discussing Iran’s defense capabilities.

No breakthroughs were achieved, but Iran reportedly showed willingness to discuss its missile program, support for regional militias, military aid to Russia, and detained Europeans.

European ministers warned of an urgent need for diplomacy, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stating that military action “may delay” the nuclear issue but “cannot eliminate it.” Germany and the UK echoed the call for a negotiated solution.

European diplomats also mentioned that Turkey, Oman, and European countries offered to host indirect talks between Washington and Tehran. Confidential discussions are reportedly underway to secure Iran’s nuclear sites and assess leadership succession scenarios.

Explosions in Israel and Environmental Concerns

Israeli media reported fears of hazardous material leaks following Iranian strikes. Strategic locations in Haifa, including Channel 14’s field broadcast center, were hit by “Sejjil-3” missiles. In Be’er Sheva, a missile hit a high-tech and military complex known as “Gav Yam Negev,” causing extensive damage.

The Israeli army confirmed the missile was not intercepted and launched an investigation. The strike raised alarm about Israel’s air defense capabilities and the evolving threat of Iranian weaponry.

Conclusion:

Between targeted assassinations, escalating airstrikes, military mobilizations, and stalled diplomacy, Iran and Israel appear locked in a dangerous spiral. With the U.S. deploying additional forces and President Trump’s two-week deadline looming, the region teeters on the edge of a wider war or a last-minute political resolution. All eyes are now on Washington, Tehran, and the few remaining diplomatic channels left open.