Escalation in Middle East conflict as Israel enters second phase of operations against Iran

The military conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its sixth day, with Israel launching massive airstrikes against Iranian infrastructure. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced that the first phase, aimed at establishing air superiority and destroying ballistic missile networks, is complete. According to the IDF, approximately 60% of Iranian missile launchers and 80% of air defense systems have been neutralized through 2,500 strikes using over 6,000 munitions. Iran has retaliated with strikes on energy facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, while launching missiles at Tel Aviv. European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council ministers have jointly condemned the Iranian attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. Israel is now transitioning to a second phase targeting underground missile storage facilities. Reports from Iranian state media regarding hits on a U.S. aircraft carrier have not been independently confirmed.