The conflict, which erupted after months of rising tensions, has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. According to the Iranian Red Crescent, 787 people were confirmed killed across Iran as of Monday following the initial strikes. Iranian sources report over 1,300 civilian deaths, including at least 165 schoolgirls and staff killed in a strike on a school in Minab city. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles at central Israel, killing two elderly people in Ramat Gan, according to Magen David Adom. An Iranian projectile also landed near Australia's military base in the UAE, causing minor damage, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported six people killed and 24 injured in Israeli strikes on central Beirut. The US and Israel claim to have struck more than 5,000 targets and decimated Iran's air force and navy, while Iran says nearly 10,000 civilian sites were bombed. The exact number of civilian casualties remains uncertain, with conflicting figures from different sources. Ali Larijani was also killed, confirmed by Iranian state media. Iran's army chief warned of a 'decisive, deterrent, and regretful response'. The Revolutionary Guards reportedly launched missiles at central Israel in revenge, according to multiple sources.
The European Union is preparing measures to control energy prices due to the conflict, including a 'Temporary Crisis Framework', according to the European Commission. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting oil supplies, with 1.7 million barrels per day affected, based on research from multiple sources. EU fossil fuel import costs increased by over €22 billion in 44 days since the war began, the Commission reported. EU heads of state and government will meet informally in the European Council on April 23-24 in Nicosia, Cyprus, to discuss competitiveness and the consequences of the Middle East situation, especially energy prices. The EU plans to announce a 'toolbox' to limit energy price increases on April 22 and will propose relaxing state aid rules to support businesses and households. The conflict caused surges in energy prices and disrupted global markets, according to multiple reports.
Iran's army chief warned of a 'decisive, deterrent, and regretful response'.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the conflict. In connection with the EU meeting, the Prime Minister will also participate in a working lunch with heads of state and government from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, focusing on stability, de-escalation, and deepened cooperation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Pakistan played an important role in brokering the ceasefire. The UN Security Council passed a resolution condemning Iran's retaliatory strikes on Gulf states, according to multiple reports. The current status of ceasefire negotiations remains unclear.
The 2026 war follows the 12-Day War in June 2025, a previous conflict between Israel and Iran. Iran has 600,000 active personnel and 350,000 reservists, while Israel has 170,000 active and 450,000 reservists, based on extensive research. The US offered defensive support to Israel by intercepting Iranian reprisal strikes, according to multiple sources. President Trump said the US is not involved in the conflict but could get involved, contradicting reports that the US participated in the initial airstrikes. Trump also lashed out at NATO allies who 'don't want to get involved'. Critics described the US-Israeli attacks as illegal under international law, while the IAEA said there was no evidence of a structured nuclear weapons program in Iran at the time of strikes. The CIA shared Khamenei's location data with Israel, according to anonymous sources. Netanyahu denied reports that Trump rejected an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei, calling them 'FAKE'.
Mojtaba Khamenei was selected as the new supreme leader, according to research. Iran's army chief warned of a 'decisive, deterrent, and regretful response'. The full extent of damage to Iran's military and nuclear capabilities remains unknown.