MIDDLE EAST ERUPTS IN VIOLENCE AS ISRAEL AND IRAN ENGAGE IN INTENSIVE AIR WAR$

Monterrey, Mexico - A wave of violence swept through the Middle East overnight as Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes, killing and wounding civilians in residential areas. The conflict has sparked alarm among global leaders, with calls for de-escalation growing louder by the hour.

The exchange of fire began on Sunday, after Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iran's intelligence chief, Mohammad Kazem. The attacks have since been reciprocated by waves of missiles fired from Iran at Israel, killing 10 people, including children.

According to reports, the total death toll has risen to 23 people in both countries, with over 400 wounded. Iranian health ministry officials stated that a minimum of 230 civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks since Friday.

As tensions continued to build, Washington scrambled to establish communication with Tehran and Beijing in efforts to prevent an all-out war. However, US President Donald Trump's proposed call for negotiation has fallen on deaf ears, with Iran refusing to attend talks until Israel stops its airstrikes.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains defiant on the issue of de-escalation, dismissing the prospect of calm amidst fierce exchanges. In a statement last night, Netanyah stated that the main objective is not stopping hostilities but preventing nuclear development by Iran.

Global leaders weigh in:

European Union officials have urged all sides to exercise restraint and explore diplomatic solutions to resolve their differences without further aggression. In a rare moment of unity, top diplomats from Europe, US Russia, China called on all parties involved to refrain from any action against civilians.