In the wake of US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, tensions in the Middle East have escalated dramatically, with both sides expanding their military operations and issuing stark warnings.

Israel's Defense Ministry announced on Monday that it was "attacking with unprecedented force regime targets and government repression entities in the heart of Iran" [4]. This marks a significant expansion of Israel's targets, now including sites directly linked to the Iranian government's power structure.

Among the new targets are the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran, security headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards, and buildings associated with the paramilitary Basij volunteer corps [4]. These strikes represent a clear escalation from the previous focus on nuclear and military installations.

Iran, for its part, has not remained passive. The country launched a new wave of missiles at Israel on Monday, with impacts reported in at least two sites in the northern port city of Haifa and on a road in the southern city of Ashdod [2]. This action demonstrates Iran's continued ability to strike Israeli territory despite the recent US and Israeli attacks.

Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, issued a stern warning to the United States: "Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it" [3]. This statement underscores the Iranian regime's determination to respond forcefully to the US intervention.

The international community has expressed grave concern over the escalating conflict. Global leaders have condemned the US strikes and warned of further regional destabilization [14]. The potential for a wider conflict looms large, with fears of World War Three being discussed in some quarters [9].

As the situation continues to develop, the world watches anxiously. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can prevail or if the Middle East will descend into a broader conflict with potentially global ramifications.