June 14, 2025, 1:00 AM IST –
The Middle East spiraled deeper into crisis late Friday night as Iran retaliated against Israeli strikes by launching a massive missile barrage on multiple targets inside Israel. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the strikes, declaring it a “decisive and precise response” to what Tehran calls Israeli aggression against its sovereignty and military leadership.
Iran Confirms Strikes on Israel, Warns of More to Come
Iranian state television confirmed that the IRGC had targeted “tens of military centres and airbases of the Zionist regime” inside Israeli territory. Multiple explosions rocked Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, according to eyewitnesses and local media. Air raid sirens sounded across the country as Israeli defense forces scrambled to intercept incoming threats.
Israel, in turn, acknowledged the attack and urged citizens to stay indoors, warning of an “active threat” still in progress.
Israel Damage and Casualties Reported Inside Israel
Israeli rescue services reported that seven people were injured in central Israel after Iran’s missile salvo. Emergency workers were deployed to rescue civilians trapped inside a collapsed building following a direct hit.
The Israeli military claimed that over 200 Iranian targets were struck in Thursday night’s retaliatory operation, reportedly including high-value figures in Iran’s military command.
U.S. Steps In: Defends Israel, Helps Intercept Missiles
According to Axios, the United States is actively assisting Israel in intercepting incoming Iranian missiles using shared military assets and regional defense systems. The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump concluded an emergency meeting with the National Security Council, where defense and diplomatic responses were discussed.
Earlier, President Trump had praised Israel’s operations and reiterated that Iran had “missed its chance” to strike a nuclear deal. Now, he is expected to issue a new statement as the region reels from the latest Iranian response.
Diplomatic and Global Reactions Intensify
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on the United Nations to take immediate action against what he described as Israeli “warmongering.” In a conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Araghchi emphasized the need for a global response to “Zionist aggression.”
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern, noting that Iran's nuclear program is approaching a critical stage. However, he warned against military strikes on nuclear facilities, insisting that a “diplomatic route” remains possible.
Travel Warnings and Security Alerts Issued
The United States issued urgent security advisories for its citizens in Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, warning of possible missile, drone, or rocket attacks across the region. The advisory instructed Americans unable to leave Iran to shelter in place and avoid exposure to falling debris.
This comes as several airlines, including Turkey’s Pegasus Airlines, have cancelled flights to Iran and nearby countries amid rising regional tensions.
Strategic Fallout and Escalation Risks
With Iran confirming its first direct strikes on Israeli territory and the U.S. openly supporting Israel’s defense, the regional conflict risks expanding into a wider war. The confirmed deaths of high-ranking Iranian military leaders earlier on Friday, including the heads of the Revolutionary Guard’s missile program and armed forces, appear to have pushed Iran into open and direct confrontation.
Military analysts warn that if unchecked, the retaliations could extend beyond airbases and command centres to involve proxy militias, cyberattacks, and further international destabilization, especially in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
Summary of Key Developments (as of 1:00 AM IST, June 14, 2025):
- Iran launched a major missile strike on Israel, hitting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
- 7 injured in central Israel; civilians trapped in buildings.
- U.S. assisting Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles.
- Iran confirms attack, calls it a response to Israeli “aggression.”
- France urges restraint, warns against nuclear escalation.
- UN called upon by Iran to intervene diplomatically.
- Travel advisories issued across the Middle East.
What’s Next?
With Iran’s direct military involvement now confirmed and the U.S. fully aligned with Israel’s defense, the situation is entering an extremely fragile and dangerous phase. The coming hours will be critical in determining whether full-scale war can be avoided — or if the region plunges into a broader and more devastating conflict.
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