Tensions Boil Over as Iran and Israel Trade Heavy Strikes; US Attack Adds Fuel to Fire

Tehran/Tel Aviv: The already volatile Middle East plunged deeper into crisis on Sunday as Iran and Israel launched fresh attacks on each other, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict that began over a week ago. The latest round of violence came shortly after the United States bombed three nuclear facilities inside Iran, further complicating the regional situation.
Iran responded to the developments by launching nearly 30 missiles targeting key Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. The strikes caused widespread panic and forced thousands of civilians across Israel into bomb shelters. More than 80 people were reportedly injured in these attacks, according to Israeli authorities. On the ground in cities like Tel Aviv, glass shards and debris scattered across streets revealed the intensity of the assault. Emergency teams worked through the day to clear damaged areas.
The Israeli military confirmed it had launched a new wave of retaliatory strikes on western Iran. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), these included targeted hits on missile launchers and military infrastructure believed to be used by Iranian armed forces. The IDF also claimed to have struck two Iranian F-5 fighter jets before they could be deployed.
Since the beginning of this conflict nine days ago, Iran has suffered heavy losses, with reports suggesting over 430 people killed and around 3,500 injured in Israeli airstrikes. In Israel, at least 24 civilians have died, and more than 1,200 have been wounded as tensions continue to spiral.
The situation took a more dangerous turn with the entry of the United States into the conflict. In the early hours of Sunday, the US military conducted airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. American officials said the operation aimed to damage Iran’s nuclear capability, claiming the use of B-2 bombers and bunker-busting bombs. The US administration hailed the mission as a success, stating that Iran’s key enrichment infrastructure had been destroyed.
Iran condemned the US attacks as a blatant violation of international law and vowed that the consequences would be long-lasting. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty and people. The Iranian leadership has also ruled out any immediate return to diplomatic talks with Washington, stating that the repeated violations have destroyed the scope for negotiation.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US strike, describing it as a historic moment in the “fight against terrorism.” US President Donald Trump, who ordered the strike, said the mission was necessary to eliminate what he called a "nuclear threat" and hinted at more aggressive action if Iran refuses to back down.
As world leaders react with alarm, the situation remains highly unstable. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the developments as a dangerous escalation and urged both sides to step back from the brink. Several countries, including Russia, Pakistan, Japan, and the UK, have issued statements calling for immediate de-escalation and restraint.