Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically today as Iran launched a dispersal bomb attack on central Israel, resulting in at least 14 casualties, including a seriously injured 11-year-old girl, according to Israeli emergency services. Additional victims include a 36-year-old woman and a 13-year-old boy, while 11 more sustained minor injuries.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen early Wednesday morning. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack, targeting “sensitive Israeli enemy sites” in the south.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American military operations against Iran are nearing completion. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated, “We are finishing the job. I think in two to three weeks, or perhaps a few days longer, we will be done. Our main goal was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons—and that has been achieved.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that Washington can now see the “finish line” for the Iran conflict, describing the campaign as the last opportunity to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed Islamic state.

Trump is scheduled to address the nation early Thursday Greek time (9:00 p.m. ET Wednesday) to provide a full update on the war and next steps.

Regional Developments

• Israel strikes in Iran: The IDF reported the killing of Mahdi Vafaei, a senior engineering officer of Iran’s Quds Force, during airstrikes on Mahallat in central Iran. Vafaei was reportedly involved in building underground military infrastructure for Hezbollah and the Assad regime in Syria and Lebanon.
• Kuwait airport hit by drones: Unmanned aerial vehicles, attributed to Iran, targeted fuel storage tanks at Kuwait International Airport, causing a large fire but no casualties.
• Tanker attacked near Qatar: A tanker suffered hull damage from an unidentified missile 17 nautical miles north of Doha. The crew was unharmed.
• Hezbollah targeted in Beirut: The Israeli military struck a senior Hezbollah commander and a high-ranking terrorist operative in the Lebanese capital.

International Reactions

French President Emmanuel Macron praised Europe’s “predictability” during his visit to Japan, contrasting it with countries that “could harm you without warning,” a veiled critique of Trump’s unilateral approach.

In the Gulf, the UAE’s Emirates airline announced that Iranian citizens are barred from transiting through the Emirates, though holders of the UAE’s “gold visa” are exempt.

Market Impact

Global markets responded quickly to Trump’s comments, with Asian stocks rebounding sharply. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 4.5%, while South Korea’s Kospi surged more than 6.5% after positive export data. Oil prices continued their upward trajectory, with Brent crude rising 1.5% to $105.56 per barrel following a historic monthly rally in March.

Iran’s Stance

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized zero trust toward U.S. negotiations, stating Tehran would only accept a complete cessation of hostilities rather than a temporary ceasefire. Iranian officials also responded to Trump’s statements on the Strait of Hormuz, warning that it would reopen only under compliance with Iran’s new laws.

The situation remains fluid, with potential U.S.-Iran communications ongoing, though formal negotiations have not yet begun.