Israel-Iran Military Conflict Escalates
The military conflict between Israel and Iran intensified early Saturday morning, with both sides engaging in a new round of missile and airstrike exchanges. Air raid sirens sounded across multiple locations in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, prompting citizens to seek shelter. The U.S. military also intervened to assist in intercepting incoming missiles. The situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating, drawing significant international attention.
Israel Issues Stern Warning: Tehran Will Pay a Price for Continued Attacks
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a strong warning to Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei on Saturday, stating that if Iran continues to launch missiles at Israeli civilians, Tehran will “pay a heavy price.” Katz went further, directly stating, “If Khamenei continues to attack Israeli territory, Tehran will be burned.”
Iran’s Retaliation Escalates: Threatens to Expand Attacks to U.S. Military Bases
According to the Iranian Fars News Agency, senior Iranian military officials indicated that retaliatory attacks against Israel would continue, and they did not rule out expanding the range of their strikes to include U.S. military bases in the Middle East in the coming days. Iranian media claimed that “determined retaliatory actions have begun,” emphasizing that this is a response to Israel’s previous “brutal attacks” on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Ongoing Airstrikes: Both Sides Activate Missile Defense Systems
In the early hours of Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Iran had once again launched missiles. The Israeli “Iron Dome” system was seen intercepting incoming rockets over Tel Aviv. The IDF continued to urge citizens to enter air raid shelters until further notice. Meanwhile, Iran’s capital Tehran also activated its air defense systems, with reports from citizens and media indicating sounds of drones, missiles, and fighter jets flying overhead.
U.S. Military Intervenes: Deploys Destroyers and Missile Defense Systems
Three U.S. officials confirmed to NBC that the U.S. military is assisting Israel in intercepting missiles launched by Iran. The U.S. had previously deployed military forces in the region, including a naval destroyer stationed off the coast of Israel, as well as THAAD and Patriot missile defense systems on the ground. Although U.S. officials emphasized that they are not directly involved in Israel’s “unilateral actions” against Iran, President Trump expressed satisfaction with Israel’s military performance, highlighting that “they are using the most advanced American weapons in the world.”
Israel Launches “Operation Rising Lion”: Attacks on Iranian Nuclear Facilities and Missile Bases
Israel announced that it has launched attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities located in Isfahan and Natanz, with the military operation codenamed “Operation Rising Lion.” An IDF spokesperson stated that in addition to targeting nuclear facilities, the airstrikes also aim to weaken Iran’s long-range missile capabilities. At the same time, Iranian media reported explosions near the Fordo nuclear facility, which is built deep underground and is considered one of Iran’s most critical nuclear projects.
Iran Halts Nuclear Negotiations with the U.S., Diplomatic Efforts Stalled
Iran’s state television announced the indefinite suspension of the sixth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., which was scheduled to take place on Sunday in Muscat, Oman. U.S. officials stated that they still hope negotiations can continue, but the outlook is dim. Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei claimed, “Israel will not escape this criminal act without paying a price,” emphasizing that Iran’s response “will not be half-hearted.”
Market Volatility: Wall Street and Cryptocurrency Markets Decline Due to War Risks
As a result of the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, all three major U.S. stock indices closed down on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by more than 700 points, a decline of nearly 2%; the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also each dropped by over 1%. Investors are concerned that the Middle East conflict may escalate into a regional war, further impacting the global economy.
In addition to traditional financial market fluctuations, the cryptocurrency market also experienced significant volatility. Bitcoin maintained a price above $104,000, but still fell by 0.61% within 24 hours; Ethereum similarly weakened, dropping by 1.35%. The worst performer was Sui (SUI), which fell over 5% in a single day and nearly 27% over 30 days. Solana (SOL) and Cardano (ADA) also saw monthly declines of 17% and 21%, respectively, indicating that risk assets are under pressure amid geopolitical tensions.
However, there were also bright spots, with the relatively new Hyperliquid (HYPE) surging over 55% in the past 30 days, becoming one of the safe havens for capital. Overall, the cryptocurrency market, similar to traditional stock markets, is closely reflecting the dramatic fluctuations of war risks and investor sentiment.
Risk Warning
Investing in cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, and their prices can be highly volatile; you may lose all your principal. Please assess the risks carefully.