Iran launches missile attack on Israel after deadly airstrikes in Tehran. UK, US, and France respond as fears of a wider Middle East war grow.

Breakdown of Events

‍Things took a dramatic turn as Iran officially retaliated against Israel’s recent airstrike campaign that targeted its nuclear and military infrastructure. The Israeli operation, dubbed "Rising Lion," led to the destruction of high-profile targets, including the death of Iran's top military leader Hossein Salami and several nuclear scientists.

In response, Iran launched what it called "Operation True Promise", a barrage of over 150 ballistic missiles and 100+ drones fired towards key Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. While Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted many of the incoming projectiles, at least 3 Israeli civilians were killed, and dozens were injured.

This marks the first time Iran has directly attacked Israeli territory, a major escalation in a long-simmering shadow war between the two nations.

‍Global Responses

🇺🇸 The United States has publicly stated it “stands with Israel” and supported its missile interception systems, though it was not involved in the initial offensive.

🇬🇧 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed support for Israel’s right to self-defence but stressed the urgency of de-escalation.

🇫🇷 France labelled the conflict “explosive,” calling for restraint from both sides to avoid a wider regional war.

‍New Developments

Iran has now issued a chilling warning to the US, UK, and France. According to Reuters, Iran threatened to target British, American, and French military bases and naval vessels in the region if they intervene to support Israel.

The strikes from Iran came after Israel allegedly bombed a housing complex in Tehran, reportedly killing around 60 civilians, including 20 children. Iran’s ambassador to the UN Security Council claimed the Israeli strikes had killed 78 people and injured over 300.

Israel, in response, has threatened further action. Defence Minister Israel Katz warned:

“Tehran will burn” if Iran continues its assaults, adding that Iranian civilians could "pay a heavy price."

On Friday, Israel intensified the conflict by targeting the core of Iran’s nuclear program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran had produced enough uranium for nine nuclear weapons, stating that Iran could be “months” away from building a bomb. Tehran has consistently denied any such intentions.

What’s Next?

‍As international powers scramble to prevent an all-out regional war, the question remains, can diplomacy still work, or is war inevitable?

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