The war involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues to escalate nearly two weeks after the conflict began, with expanding military strikes, rising casualties and growing concerns about regional instability.

The conflict started on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated air and missile strikes on multiple targets across Iran, including military bases, missile facilities and strategic infrastructure. The opening attacks reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, prompting a leadership transition that saw Mojtaba Khamenei selected as the country’s new supreme leader.

Iranian authorities say more than 1,200 people have been killed and over 12,000 injured since the war began, with hundreds of strikes hitting cities and infrastructure across the country. Many civilian buildings, hospitals and schools have reportedly been damaged during the fighting.

Israeli authorities have also reported casualties following Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli cities and military facilities.

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against Israeli territory and US military installations across the Middle East. Iranian-aligned groups in countries such as Lebanon and Iraq have also launched attacks on Israeli or US-linked targets, raising fears of a wider regional war.

Missiles and drones have been intercepted in several countries as air defence systems across the region remain on high alert.

The conflict has also shaken global energy markets, with tensions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz disrupting shipping and pushing oil prices higher.

Analysts warn that any further escalation could threaten a major portion of the world’s oil supply, as the waterway is one of the most important global routes for petroleum exports.

Despite heavy military operations on both sides, there are no clear signs that the war will end soon. Military leaders in Israel say operations will continue as long as necessary, while Iranian officials have vowed continued retaliation.

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis remain limited, and analysts warn that the conflict could expand further if more regional actors become directly involved.