Mohsen Tanabandeh, a prominent Iranian actor and director, mourned his nephew

The direct missile exchanges that have recently occurred mark a significant escalation. While indirect conflict has been the norm, these open confrontations represent a new phase where both sides are willing to directly strike each other's territory or interests, increasing the risk of miscalculation and broader regional conflagration. This directness suggests a shift in deterrence calculations and a heightened state of alert.