Iran-Israel War LIVE: Meloni, Trump Discuss Iran Crisis And EU-US Ties At G7

<p>The Middle East is once again at the centre of global concern as tensions between Iran and Israel have erupted into direct conflict, marking their most intense military exchange in decades.</p>
<p>On June 12, Israel launched a large-scale pre-emptive strike on Iran, targeting nuclear and military infrastructure in a surprise offensive called &ldquo;Operation Rising Lion.&rdquo; Key Iranian cities, including Tehran, were rocked by explosions. Among the casualties are high-ranking officials and nuclear scientists, according to international media reports.</p>
<p>In response, Iran fired over 100 drones and ballistic missiles towards Israeli territory. While most were intercepted by the Iron Dome defence system, several did manage to cause damage and casualties, pushing both countries to the brink of full-scale war.</p>
<p>This escalation comes against a backdrop of decades of deep-rooted animosity. Iran&rsquo;s hardline stance against Israel dates back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with ideological opposition fuelled by regional rivalries and nuclear fears. Israel, meanwhile, has long accused Tehran of secretly developing nuclear weapons, a red line it has consistently vowed to prevent.</p>
<p>As the world watches with growing alarm, key global players, including India, the US, China, and Saudi Arabia, have issued strong reactions, with many urging restraint.</p>
<p><em><strong>Stay with us as we bring you live updates:</strong></em></p>