Iran Launches Ballistic Missiles at Israel in Worst Escalation After US Strikes
Early Sunday, Iran fired a salvo of over 30 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for US strikes overnight on three major Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities. Sirens echoed across central and northern Israel, and explosions were heard near Jerusalem, prompting civilian evacuations and shelter protocols.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that missiles were intercepted, with their air force actively targeting remaining threats. Officials urged residents to stay in bomb shelters as security forces responded to reported impacts in several areas.
The attack comes hours after the United States, using B‑2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles, struck Iran’s deeply protected nuclear sites—including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—in collaboration with Israeli forces. President Trump declared the operation “very successful” and warned of further strikes if peace is not pursued.
Local authorities confirmed multiple missile threats; urban centers including Jerusalem, Haifa, and Ramat Gan reported sirens. While full impact assessments are pending, initial reports note missile fragments landing in residential areas. The IDF stressed its defensive actions: “At this time, the (Israeli Air Force) is operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat.”
Iran’s top diplomat had earlier warned of “everlasting consequences” if US strikes continued. State-run media confirmed the missile launch but have not detailed casualties.
Global markets briefly fluctuated as fears of a wider conflict spread. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene, while nations across Europe and the Middle East urge restraint and heightened diplomacy .
This marks the sharpest spike in hostilities since the conflict began in April 2024, triggered by Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. June saw a lull broken by renewed Israeli air raids on Isfahan and other sensitive sites.
Iran responded on June 13 with a massive missile and drone offensive involving over 150 missiles and 100 drones, causing civilian and military damages inside Israel. The Iron Dome system intercepted many threats, but several missiles penetrated defences—hitting hospitals and residential buildings, and leaving dozens injured.
Israel, meanwhile, has intensified strikes on missile production and military targets across Iran, closing its airspace and ramping up alert levels since Sunday’s US engagement .
