New Delhi: Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically as Iran and Israel traded a series of missile strikes, raising fears of a full-blown regional conflict. The situation spiraled early Saturday after Israel launched its largest-ever offensive aimed at crippling Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, prompting immediate and aggressive retaliation from Tehran.
Air raid sirens sounded across Israel’s two largest cities — Tel Aviv and Jerusalem — before dawn, forcing residents to seek shelter. Israel’s military confirmed that dozens of missiles had been launched from Iran. While many were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, several struck various locations, triggering rescue and emergency operations. A suspected missile was reported to have landed in Tel Aviv, and a loud explosion was heard in Jerusalem, although it remains unclear whether these were caused by incoming Iranian missiles or Israeli countermeasures.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded defiantly, warning Tehran that “more is on the way” and affirming Israel’s commitment to defend itself. In turn, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed Israel for starting the war and promised a severe and uncompromising response. “The Iranian nation must be guaranteed that our response will not be half-measured,” he declared. Explosions were also heard in Tehran, indicating that Israel’s strikes may have penetrated deep into Iranian territory.
Iran’s retaliation came in three waves, beginning Friday night and continuing into Saturday. According to Iran’s semi-official Far News Agency, the attacks targeted Israeli military installations, nuclear facilities, and personnel involved in the country’s nuclear program. A senior Iranian official warned that “nowhere in Israel would be safe” and that revenge would be “painful.”
The ongoing exchange has already resulted in casualties. Israel’s ambulance service reported that 34 people were injured in the Tel Aviv area, mostly with minor injuries. However, police later confirmed at least one death from the overnight strikes. The United States, meanwhile, intervened to help defend Israel. Two U.S. officials confirmed that American forces shot down several Iranian missiles en route to Israel. Former President Donald Trump weighed in, suggesting that Tehran could still halt the crisis by re-entering nuclear talks — a suggestion swiftly dismissed by Iran, which said such negotiations were now “meaningless.”
The rising violence has sparked international concern over the possibility of a broader regional war. While Iran’s allies — including Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon — have been severely weakened by previous Israeli operations, the latest escalation threatens to drag other players into the conflict. As missiles criss-cross the skies over the Middle East, hopes for diplomacy appear to be fading fast.
