Israel warns Tehran will “burn” if missile attacks continue, following deadly strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military sites. Tensions threaten regional war.
Mounting Conflict Between Israel and Iran Sparks Global Alarm
Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply over the weekend after Israeli airstrikes targeted nuclear and military facilities across Iran on Friday, killing dozens, including top Iranian generals and nuclear scientists. In response, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones into Israeli territory late Friday into Saturday. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Tehran would face devastating retaliation if attacks continued.
Death Toll Mounts After Israeli Airstrikes Hit Strategic Targets
The Israeli military reported that Friday’s airstrikes destroyed significant infrastructure, including Iran’s nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz and a research center in Isfahan. Nine senior scientists and at least three top military leaders were killed, according to Israeli officials. Iran’s UN ambassador placed the total Iranian death toll at 78, with over 320 wounded. The strikes severely damaged Iran’s nuclear capacity, with Israeli sources suggesting repairs could take “much more than a few weeks.”
Iran Strikes Back With Missile Barrage, Raising Fears of Wider War
In retaliation, Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and drone swarms into Israeli airspace overnight. Explosions lit the skies over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, killing three and injuring at least 70. The Israeli military confirmed damage in Rishon Lezion and Ramat Gan, while drone and missile debris caused fires in northern Israel. U.S. defense systems in the region aided Israel’s missile interception. Israeli air defenses remained on high alert as officials warned the confrontation was far from over.
Leaders Issue Stark Warnings Amid Crisis
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz delivered a blunt warning: “If [Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the strikes aimed to eliminate the Iranian threat and indirectly encouraged Iranians to challenge their government. Meanwhile, Iranian leader Khamenei vowed retribution for what he called a “great crime.”
Diplomatic Fallout Clouds U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks
The conflict has cast a shadow over planned nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, originally scheduled for Sunday in Oman. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the talks “unjustifiable” in light of the Israeli assault, though he stopped short of officially canceling the meeting. He accused Washington of complicity in the strikes, a claim denied by U.S. officials.
Military Escalation Threatens Regional Stability
Israeli airstrikes resumed early Saturday, hitting more than a dozen targets near Tehran, including air defenses. Reports of explosions and smoke over Iranian cities such as Tabriz, Kermanshah, and Khorramabad suggested another wave of Israeli attacks was underway. Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport was reportedly affected by the strikes. The Israeli military indicated the operation is ongoing and likely to intensify.
Nuclear Sites Damaged as International Pressure Builds
UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi confirmed that the above-ground facilities at Natanz were destroyed, though the underground centrifuge plant remained intact. Still, power loss may have impacted internal systems. The destruction raises concerns about radioactive leaks and significantly delays Iran’s nuclear development, particularly in Isfahan, which Israel claims was being used for military purposes.
Global Leaders Call for De-escalation as Region Teeters on War
Nations across the Middle East condemned Israel’s actions, while world leaders urged both sides to pull back from the brink. The international airport in Tel Aviv remains closed. As the Gaza war continues alongside fresh hostilities with Iran, the broader Middle East faces the threat of a multi-front conflict. Despite warnings, Israel appears prepared for further military engagement.
With Israel and Iran trading deadly attacks and regional powers on edge, the risk of full-scale war is rising. The coming days will determine whether diplomacy can prevail or whether the Middle East will plunge deeper into chaos.
