BREAKING: Iran Launches Missile Retaliation on Israel Following Attacks on Nuclear Sites

Tensions in the Middle East reached a boiling point as Iran launched a series of long-range missiles targeting sites across Israel in retaliation for what it described as deadly Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear facilities and military leadership. The unprecedented escalation left at least 40 Israelis injured, with one woman confirmed dead, marking the first Israeli fatality since the Iranian barrage began.

According to Iranian officials, Israeli attacks killed 78 people, including senior military officials, and injured over 320 others in Iran. Tehran vowed that its retaliatory strikes were lawful and aimed at restoring deterrence, as Iran's UN ambassador labeled Israel's attack a "declaration of war" during an emergency Security Council session.

In the midst of the assault, explosions were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with footage showing interceptive activity and smoke rising from urban areas. Israeli defense forces claimed to have intercepted hostile aircraft over Eilat and the Negev region, while confirming multiple missile strikes that damaged buildings in central Israel.

Meanwhile, international reactions poured in, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging all parties to "act with maximum restraint" and calling for de-escalation. The Qatari emir and Russia also signaled intentions to mediate a peaceful resolution.

On the economic front, the crisis sent shockwaves through global oil markets, raising fears that trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz could be disrupted. Airlines suspended flights across the region, and shipping firms tightened security protocols as tension escalated.

In Washington, former State Department official Thomas Countryman criticized the situation, warning that civilians would bear the brunt of what he termed “reckless military action.” He expressed concern that US President Donald Trump might be using Israeli military actions as leverage in nuclear negotiations with Iran, calling such a strategy “profoundly misguided.”

US Senator Bernie Sanders also spoke out, urging the U.S. not to be “dragged into another Netanyahu war,” criticizing the Israeli government’s unilateral strike just days ahead of scheduled nuclear deal talks.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) warned that the fate of the region could hinge on Trump’s next move, advocating for de-escalation, sanctions relief negotiations, and a halt to further Israeli aggression. Analysts from Chatham House and Gulf State Analytics noted that Iran’s missile attacks signal a determination to impose serious consequences and resist diplomatic restraint for now.

As the conflict intensifies, questions arise over the extent of damage to Iran’s enriched nuclear material, with experts citing concerns over the IAEA’s future access and oversight.

With more missiles expected and diplomatic options narrowing, the world watches anxiously as two regional powers engage in the most direct military confrontation in years, raising fears of a broader war in the Middle East.