Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply early Sunday as Iran launched more than 30 ballistic missiles at Israel, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The large-scale assault came just hours after the United States carried out coordinated airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
Emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA) confirmed that at least 16 people were injured in the missile barrage. One man in his 30s sustained moderate shrapnel wounds, while 15 others, including two children, were treated for minor injuries. The children are currently receiving care at Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv.
Missiles struck multiple sites across central Israel, with one hitting the city of Haifa without any prior warning sirens, raising serious concerns about potential failures in the alert system. In contrast, sirens did activate in several other regions, prompting civilians to rush into bomb shelters as directed by the Home Front Command.
MDA CEO Eli Bin reported that emergency response teams are actively working across more than 10 impact sites, providing medical assistance and assessing structural damage caused by missile strikes and shrapnel.
The Iranian assault appears to be a direct retaliation for the U.S.-led precision strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, which President Donald Trump called “the most challenging and lethal operation in recent decades.” In a forceful statement, Trump said,
“There will either be peace or tragedy for Iran, far greater than what we have witnessed over the last eight days. There are many targets left.”
He praised the U.S. military for executing the mission with “precision, speed, and skill,” while expressing hope that further military engagement won’t be necessary.
Iran’s response was swift and fiery. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. action, accusing Washington of violating the UN Charter, international law, and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” he said in a post on X, warning that Iran would defend its sovereignty and interests “by all means necessary” under international law.
As regional tensions continue to spiral, international observers are warning of potential wider conflict if diplomatic intervention does not take place swiftly.
