Iran’s Missile Attack on Israel
Tehran launches ballistic missiles toward Israel following vows of a crushing response to recent joint US-Israel strikes. Israeli citizens rush to shelters as sirens blare across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other regions, with defensive systems activating to counter the threat.
Explosions echo through Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi, raising alarms of escalating conflict across the Middle East. Bahrain officials confirm a missile strike targeted the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters.
Israeli Defense Response
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) detect multiple barrages from Iran shortly after 8 a.m., deploying interceptors via the Iron Dome system. Missile fragments scatter in several areas, but no injuries emerge so far. The Home Front Command issues mobile alerts, urging residents to seek protected spaces.
Sirens pierce northern and southern Israel, prompting hospitals like Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv to move patients to parking areas and underground facilities. The IDF mobilizes 20,000 additional reservists, joining 50,000 already active, and orders civilians to remain sheltered until cleared.
“You must remain in a protected area until an official notice is given,” the IDF states, emphasizing adherence to guidelines.
Joint US-Israel Operation
Israel dubs the strikes “Lion’s Roar,” targeting Iran’s nuclear threats and missile capabilities near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s offices. The US labels its effort “Epic Fury,” with President Donald Trump announcing major combat operations.
President Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the nation: “Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran. I thank President Donald Trump for his historic leadership.”
He condemns Iran’s regime for decades of hostility, vowing the action paves the way for Iranians to overthrow tyranny. Netanyahu calls for endurance in the coming days.
Leaders’ Statements
Trump posts on Truth Social: “We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground… We’re going to annihilate their navy and ensure Iran does not attain a nuclear weapon.” He accuses Iran of expanding its nuclear program and arming proxies.
The IDF affirms troops stand ready across all fronts, stating the operation persists as needed to degrade Iran’s capabilities and proxies threatening Israel and the region.
Regional and Historical Context
This escalation follows Iran’s missile barrage eight months ago, retaliating for strikes on its nuclear sites. Supreme Leader Khamenei then promised heavy blows.
Exiled Iranian prince Reza Pahlavi urges military and security forces to abandon the regime, calling the strikes a humanitarian intervention. He appeals for caution to spare civilians.
UK nationals in Qatar receive shelter-in-place orders from the British Embassy. Bahrain issues emergency alerts, while the UK relocates embassy staff from Iran and Tel Aviv amid security risks.
