Iran – Israel War: US Joins Conflict as Missile Barrages and Nuclear Strikes Escalate Tensions

The Middle East stands on the brink of an unprecedented crisis as the Iran vs Israel war enters a new, perilous phase. On June 22, 2025, the United States directly intervened, launching airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting swift and severe retaliation from Tehran. Air raid sirens echoed across Israel as millions sought shelter from Iranian missile attacks, while world leaders scrambled to address the escalating violence, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. This article unpacks the latest developments, the impact on civilians, and the potential global ramifications of this rapidly evolving war.

US Strikes Iranian Nuclear Sites

In a dramatic escalation, President Donald Trump announced that the United States had “obliterated” several of Iran’s most critical nuclear installations, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation, reportedly conducted by B-2 stealth bombers, deployed massive bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate deeply fortified targets. Trump framed the intervention as a necessary measure to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating, “Iran must now agree to end this war”.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the strikes as a “shocking, serious, and unprecedented breach” of international law and the United Nations Charter, warning of “everlasting consequences” for the United States. Iranian state media reported that enriched uranium reserves had been relocated before the strikes, minimizing the risk of radiation leaks, according to officials.

Iran Retaliates with Missile Barrages

Within hours of the US attacks, Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, targeting Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, military command centers, and research institutions. Iranian state television claimed that 30 missiles were fired in the initial salvo, with a second wave following less than 30 minutes later, marking an unprecedented rapidity in missile attacks2. Air raid sirens blared across Israel, sending millions into bomb shelters as explosions and missile interceptions lit up the skies over major cities, including Jerusalem and Haifa.

Emergency responders reported at least 16 to 20 injuries in Israel, with significant destruction reported in central and northern regions, particularly around Tel Aviv and Haifa. Rescue crews worked through rubble-strewn streets, aiding the injured and searching for survivors.

Israel’s Response and Regional Reactions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision, calling it a “historic” and “courageous” move that would “alter the course of history”. Israeli forces, already engaged in a week-long air campaign against Iranian military and nuclear targets, launched fresh strikes on missile launchers in western Iran, aiming to neutralize threats before they could be launched at Israeli territory.

Meanwhile, regional powers expressed alarm. Saudi Arabia and Egypt denounced what they called “blatant Israeli aggressions,” while the United Nations Secretary-General warned that the US strikes represented a “dangerous escalation” and a direct threat to international peace and security. Diplomatic efforts to halt the violence have so far failed, with tensions continuing to rise.

Human Cost and Civilian Impact

The human toll has been severe. According to Iranian health officials, over 400 people have been killed and more than 3,500 injured in Iran due to Israeli strikes since the conflict escalated last week. In Israel, authorities have reported at least 24 deaths and dozens of injuries since the start of the air war8. Civilians on both sides face daily threats, with hospitals in Israel relocating critical operations underground due to missile attacks.

Global Concerns and Future Prospects

International observers warn that the conflict risks spiraling into a full-scale regional war. The United Nations nuclear watchdog reported no increases in off-site radiation following the US strikes, but concerns persist about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the potential for further escalation. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev claimed that several nations might be prepared to supply Iran with nuclear warheads, further complicating the geopolitical landscape

As the crisis deepens, the world watches anxiously for signs of de-escalation or further military action. The latest developments underscore the fragility of the Middle East and the high stakes involved in the Iran vs Israel war.