Rising Tensions: Israel Claims Air Control Over Iran Amid Escalating Attacks

Israel has claimed it now has full control over Iran's airspace. According to the BBC, an Israeli military spokesperson said their forces have gained complete air dominance over Iran.

Brigadier General Effie Dafrin said in a media briefing that Israel has destroyed one-third of Iran’s missile launchers. Israel stated that its air force launched waves of overnight attacks. Meanwhile, Iranian media reported new airstrikes in western parts of the country.

Iran also fired missiles at Israel overnight. Some of these reportedly managed to get through Israel’s Iron Dome defense system.

Since Friday, 24 people have died in Israel. Iran’s Health Ministry said at least 224 people have died from Israeli attacks since Friday.

Meanwhile, China has urged both Iran and Israel to take immediate steps to reduce tensions. After Iran launched a heavy missile attack on Israeli cities and Israel responded by targeting deep military sites in Iran, China called for calm. According to international news agency AFP, China asked both sides to stop further escalation and return to dialogue.

China has close ties with Iran. It is Iran's biggest trading partner and main buyer of oil. Although world leaders are calling for peace, the rising conflict between Iran and Israel during ongoing wars like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas has raised fears of a wider global crisis.