Tensions in the Middle East surged Sunday as Israel came under heavy missile fire from Iran, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a large-scale strike that targeted Iran’s top nuclear facilities.
The Israeli military warned citizens to seek shelter as explosions echoed through cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Rescue teams responded to multiple impact sites, with at least 16 people reported injured and buildings damaged across Haifa, Tel Aviv, and central Israel.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned the U.S. airstrikes—carried out by B-2 bombers—calling them a violation of international law and pledging that “all options” were open in defending Iran’s sovereignty. Iranian media threatened U.S. personnel in the region, declaring them “legitimate targets.”
The attacks came in response to escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran that began earlier this month. Trump said the strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s main nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, describing it as a decisive act to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Trump warned of further strikes if Iran refuses peace, while reiterating the U.S. does not seek regime change. Reports indicated six bunker-busting bombs were used on the underground Fordow facility, and over 30 Tomahawk missiles targeted other locations.
Despite the scale of the strikes, Iran claimed its most sensitive materials had already been moved. No radiation spikes have been detected, according to the UN nuclear watchdog.
While Israel hailed Trump’s decision, the international community expressed alarm. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres labeled the U.S. action a “dangerous escalation,” warning it threatens global security.
On the ground, violence continues: over 430 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since Israeli airstrikes began on June 13, Iranian media reported. In Israel, 24 civilians have died and more than 1,200 have been injured.
With diplomacy stalled and airspaces across the region restricted, global airlines are rerouting flights away from the conflict zone.