Iran launched a major missile attack on Israel early Sunday, hours after the United States conducted coordinated airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Explosions were reported across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other key cities as air raid sirens triggered widespread alarms.
Israel’s emergency services reported at least 20 people injured in the missile barrage, while local authorities in Haifa confirmed emergency operations in response to “falling weapon fragments.”
“Iran has responded with full force,” said Israeli Defense Ministry spokesperson Gil Tzur. “We are currently assessing damage and neutralizing remaining threats.”
The attacks marked the latest escalation in a conflict that began with Israel’s initial strikes on June 13.
Official Israeli figures confirm that hostilities have resulted in over 50 missile impacts and 25 fatalities.
Trump Confirms U.S. Role in Targeting Iran’s Nuclear Sites
President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. forces targeted three major Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—using B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-busting bombs capable of penetrating fortified underground structures.
“This is a historic moment for the United States of America, Israel, and the world,” Trump said during a White House address. “Iran’s nuclear facilities have been completely and fully obliterated.”
He later posted on social media: “We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites. All planes are now outside of Iranian airspace. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.”
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that in addition to airstrikes, U.S. submarines launched approximately 30 Tomahawk missiles targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Iranian and International Response
Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the U.S. intervention, calling it a “dangerous war against Iran.”
“The U.S. has betrayed diplomacy,” the ministry said in a statement. “The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its right to resist with full force against U.S. military aggression and to defend Iran’s security and national interests.”
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it launched 40 missiles at Israel in retaliation, including Khorramshahr-4 missiles capable of carrying multiple warheads. More than 80 people were reported injured across Haifa and Tel Aviv, though most injuries were classified as minor.
Despite acknowledging the damage to the Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz sites, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation affirmed the continuation of its nuclear programme. Both the organisation and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that there was no increase in off-site radiation levels.
Israel Closes Airspace, Launches Counterstrikes
In response to the Iranian missile barrage, Israel closed its airspace and began counterstrikes on Iranian military positions in western Iran.
“The missile launchers were swiftly neutralised,” said an Israeli military statement. “Precision strikes are now underway targeting key Iranian military infrastructure.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong support for U.S. involvement, stating in a video message: “Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities, with the awesome and righteous might of the United States, will change history.”
U.S. Strategy Shift: From Diplomacy to Direct Action
The U.S. strikes mark a significant shift in Trump’s policy, moving from diplomatic engagement to direct military intervention. Trump had previously urged restraint, twice convincing Israel to delay attacks in April and May to allow time for negotiations.
“We were committed to diplomacy,” Trump said. “But Iran refused to engage in good faith. There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran.”
Despite lacking congressional authorisation, Trump moved forward with military action, citing the threat of an Iranian nuclear breakout as justification.
International Concerns Over Escalation
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called the escalation “dangerous” and urged all parties to de-escalate.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control—with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region and the world,” Guterres said in a statement.
Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen called for a unified regional front against the United States and Israel, while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of “irreparable damage” to American interests.
Civilian Impact and Human Cost
According to the U.S.-based group Human Rights Activists, Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 865 individuals, including 363 civilians and 215 security personnel. Reports indicate that more than 3,300 people have sustained injuries.
The conflict’s rapid escalation has triggered concerns about broader regional destabilisation and the potential for prolonged warfare, as both Iran and Israel continue to exchange strikes.
What Comes Next?
It remains unclear whether the United States will continue to coordinate military operations with Israel or if diplomatic backchannels will resume. Pentagon officials will provide further updates in a briefing set for 8 a.m. Eastern Time.
Meanwhile, Iran has vowed to continue its nuclear programme, insisting it remains peaceful. U.S. intelligence agencies have stated there is no confirmed evidence Iran is actively pursuing a nuclear weapon, though Trump and Israeli leaders maintain that Iran’s capabilities pose an imminent threat.
