Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply on Sunday, with the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launching a new wave of airstrikes targeting military sites in western Iran in retaliation for earlier Iranian missile barrages that struck multiple locations across Israel.
In an official statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operations, stating, “The IAF has begun a series of strikes toward military targets in western Iran. Missile launchers prepared to attack Israeli territory and Iranian soldiers were neutralised in these strikes.”
Reports from Israel’s TPS news agency and the Times of Israel noted that Iranian missiles struck various locations including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and central Israel, injuring 16 people according to Israel’s national emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA). Among the wounded, a man in his 30s suffered moderate injuries, while 15 others sustained minor wounds from shrapnel.
Missile sirens were heard in northern Israel, and residents were instructed to seek shelter amid fears of further missile waves.
The IDF said they successfully destroyed ballistic missile launchers used in Sunday morning’s Iranian attack and eliminated Iranian soldiers operating the systems.
Separately, Israeli and US forces launched precision strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow during the night. According to CNN, the US deployed six B-2 bombers to drop GBU-57 A/B “bunker buster” bombs on Fordow, Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility, where uranium is refined up to 60% purity.
In his first response following the strikes, US President Donald Trump warned Tehran of severe consequences if diplomatic resolutions are not achieved. “There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran far greater than we’ve witnessed over the last eight days,” Trump declared in his national address from the White House.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also strongly condemned Iran’s missile attacks on its civilian population centres. Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein posted on X: “The Iranian regime is firing ballistic missiles at civilian population centres in Israel.”
As tensions remain high, global leaders have called for restraint to prevent the situation from spiralling into a full-scale regional conflict.