Israel has issued a stern warning, declaring its intention to “escalate and expand” military actions against Iran as of Friday. This comes even as U.S. President Donald Trump reassures that negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict are progressing, offering Iran additional time to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran remains steadfast and shows no indication of relenting.

The war’s economic repercussions are rippling far beyond the Middle East, causing turmoil in global stock markets. President Trump is increasingly facing demands to break Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway that facilitates the transit of nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply.

In response to a U.S.-proposed 15-point ceasefire plan, which requires Iran to relinquish control over the strait, Iran has refused to comply. Instead, it has bolstered its military presence in the area, possibly signaling preparations for a direct confrontation to maintain its grip on the waterway.

Jan Egeland, the secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, has reported significant destruction in Iran, with numerous homes, hospitals, and schools suffering damage or being obliterated. He noted that almost every district in Tehran has been affected.

“The civilian population is bearing the brunt of this conflict, and it must come to an end,” Egeland emphasized in a public statement.

The United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration announced on Friday that approximately 82,000 civilian structures in Iran, including hospitals and the residences of 180,000 people, have sustained damage.

“If this war continues, we risk a far wider humanitarian disaster,” Egeland said.

“Millions could be forced to flee across borders, placing immense pressure on an already overstretched region.”

Israel deployed the 162nd Division into southern Lebanon to support efforts to protect its northern border towns from Hezbollah attacks and uproot the militant group, the military said.

Death toll climbs, primarily in Iran and Lebanon

Eighteen people have died in Israel, while four Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon. Two Israeli soldiers were severely injured in Lebanon on Friday during an “operational accident,” the military said.

Authorities said more than 1100 people have died in Lebanon and over 1900 people have been killed in Iran.

At least 13 American troops have been killed and four people in the occupied West Bank and 20 in Gulf Arab states have also died.

In Iraq, where Iranian-supported militia groups have entered the conflict, 80 members of the security forces have died.

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