Iran Launches Retaliatory Missile Strikes on Israel Following Alleged Nuclear Site Attacks

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran has launched a series of missile strikes against Israel overnight in retaliation for earlier attacks allegedly targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Explosions were reported across major cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Tehran, marking one of the most intense nights of direct military confrontation between the two nations in recent years.

According to Israeli authorities, several ballistic missiles struck urban areas, resulting in the deaths of at least three civilians and injuring dozens more. Emergency services have been deployed across central Israel to manage the aftermath, as hospitals report a surge in casualties.

Iranian state media framed the operation as a “necessary and proportionate response” to what it claimed were unprovoked strikes on its critical nuclear infrastructure earlier this week. While the details surrounding the alleged Israeli attack remain unclear, regional analysts believe it targeted key military and research sites near Isfahan and Natanz.

The Israeli government has not officially commented on Iran’s accusations but confirmed that multiple cities had come under missile fire. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that many projectiles were intercepted by its Iron Dome missile defense system, though some successfully breached defenses and caused damage.

The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged “maximum restraint” and called for an emergency session of the Security Council. The United States and European Union have also issued statements condemning the violence and urging both sides to de-escalate immediately.

Analysts warn that this latest exchange could mark the beginning of a broader conflict if diplomatic efforts fail. With both nations locked in a long-standing shadow war, this public confrontation signals a dangerous shift from covert operations to direct military engagement.

As the region braces for potential further retaliation, global markets are already showing signs of volatility. Oil prices have spiked amid fears of a wider regional disruption, while international airlines are rerouting flights to avoid contested airspace.