Iran and Israel have entered a dangerous new phase in their long-standing hostilities, exchanging deadly missile strikes and air raids following Israel’s sweeping assault on Iranian nuclear sites and military personnel. The intensifying conflict has raised fears of a broader regional war with global repercussions.
On Thursday night, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes targeting key Iranian nuclear facilities, military bases, and senior personnel in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a preemptive move to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran responded within 24 hours, firing around 200 ballistic missiles in multiple waves, striking residential areas in Israel and reportedly killing at least three people.
In Tehran, Iranian state media reported that a missile flattened a 14-storey housing complex, killing at least 60 people, including 20 children. Iran’s UN envoy claimed 78 people were killed in the initial Israeli strikes, including civilians and scientists, and over 320 others wounded.
In Israel, sirens sounded across major cities, with air defence systems intercepting most of the incoming missiles and drones. However, several projectiles struck civilian areas, including Rishon LeZion and Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv. A baby girl was rescued from the rubble, and dozens of people were injured.
Israel’s military confirmed the successful interception of surface-to-surface missiles and drones. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Iran’s leadership had “crossed a red line” and declared, “If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.”
A senior Israeli military official said nine Iranian nuclear scientists were killed in the initial airstrikes and claimed the damage to nuclear facilities in Natanz and Esfahan would take weeks to repair. Iran, however, continues to deny that its nuclear programme is for anything other than peaceful purposes.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised Israel’s operation and warned Iran of more severe consequences unless it agrees to scale down its nuclear activities. U.S. officials confirmed American forces helped intercept Iranian missiles aimed at Israeli targets.
The conflict threatens to derail nuclear talks that were due to resume this weekend in Oman. Iran’s foreign ministry said it was reconsidering participation, accusing the U.S. of enabling Israel’s attacks while pretending to pursue diplomacy.
The exchange of fire has rattled oil markets, with Gulf nations calling for calm amid fears of supply disruptions. Crude prices rose by 7% in the past 24 hours.
With military operations continuing, both sides appear braced for further escalation. “The road to Iran has been paved,” said Israeli military chief Tomer Bar, hinting at the possibility of extended operations.
Global leaders, including Pope Leo XIV, urged restraint and dialogue. “No one should ever threaten the existence of another,” he said. “The path to peace must be built on justice, reason, and respect.”
