Tensions have reached a critical point as Iran has launched a series of missile strikes on Israel, in what Tehran calls a retaliation for Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets. Iranian missiles struck central Israel overnight, killing at least three people and injuring dozens more. Several of the missiles managed to evade Israel’s Iron Dome defense system and hit areas including Tel Aviv.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stark warning, saying Israel “must expect severe punishment” for what he described as the “criminal murder” of senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran claims 78 people have died, including women and children, in the recent wave of Israeli assaults on its territory.
In response to the Iranian retaliation, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that military operations would continue “as long as necessary.” The Israeli Defense Ministry also confirmed the interception of several aerial drones over central regions, though it remains unclear where the drones originated or if there was any damage.
Meanwhile, international reactions are pouring in. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro fiercely condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a “criminal assault” and accusing Western powers—including France, Germany, the UK, and the U.S.—of backing “the 21st-century Hitler,” in reference to Netanyahu. His statement included a fiery denouncement of “neo-Nazi Zionism.”
From Washington, former President Donald Trump appears to be shifting his stance. Just hours before the strikes, Trump urged restraint, warning Israel not to jeopardize nuclear negotiations. But after the missiles fell, he praised the Israeli operation as “excellent,” blaming Iran for escalating the conflict by rejecting a proposed deal to cease uranium enrichment. Trump also warned, via Truth Social, that further, more “brutal” strikes could follow unless Iran returns to the negotiating table.
Iranian state media is also reporting that Israeli surveillance drones were shot down over Salmas, near the Iranian border, describing the unmanned aircraft as on “espionage missions.”
This latest round of violence is raising fears of a wider regional war, with experts warning that U.S. forces could be pulled in. Dr. Shahram Akbarzadeh of the Middle East Studies Forum stated, “Israel is banking on U.S. involvement. Once conflict breaks out, American support becomes inevitable.”
In the region, Jordan briefly closed its airspace but reopened it earlier today. Jordanian officials say they will not allow their skies to become part of the battlefield.
Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, has been in urgent contact with global counterparts, urging restraint and calling the Israeli strikes “illegal and unjustifiable.” Oman has emphasized the need to prevent further loss of life and protect regional stability.
Meanwhile, reports from northern Iran say that Israeli fighter jets have bombed a military base in the city of Zanjan, north of Tehran. Footage from the scene shows plumes of smoke and raging fires.
We will continue monitoring this developing story, with in-depth analysis and live updates. Stay with SNEWS TV for the latest on the Israel-Iran crisis.
Reporting by Carl Montel.
