Chernobyl-like nuclear warnings, Fattah missile strikes, and an ‘Islamic Bomb’ have left the Middle East on edge

Israel's strikes have devastated Iran's military leadership and nuclear assets, while Iran responds with advanced missile fire and nuclear threats. The conflict has left hundreds dead, sparked fears of wider escalation, and drawn in regional actors including Pakistan. Iran claims use of hypersonic weapons like Fattah-1 and Sejjil, although experts doubt their effectiveness. The spectre of an "Islamic Bomb" and the potential use of nukes by Israel or Iran risks triggering a new arms race and deepening global insecurity.