Massive explosions rattled Tehran over the weekend following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, prompting Iran’s President to threaten more severe retaliatory attacks amid the most dangerous escalation in years.
At a Glance
- Israel launched major airstrikes on Iran’s Defense Ministry and nuclear infrastructure in Tehran
- Explosions were confirmed across Tehran in military and residential areas
- Iranian President Pezeshkian vowed “more painful” retaliation against Israel
- Iran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
- U.S. and U.K. issued urgent travel alerts amid rising regional tensions
Israel’s Preemptive Strikes Rattle Iran
Early Sunday, Israeli fighter jets carried out a coordinated attack on strategic Iranian targets including the Defense Ministry headquarters and the Natanz nuclear site, in what Israeli sources dubbed “Operation Rising Lion.” The strikes were a response to Iran’s earlier barrage of missiles toward Israeli territory, including direct hits in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
According to local sources and international media, loud explosions erupted in Tehran’s western and northern districts, where key military and nuclear sites are located. Iranian state media confirmed that air defense systems were activated, with multiple impacts near sensitive installations.
Iran Vows Escalation
In a televised address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the Israeli strikes as “aggression” and warned that Iran’s retaliation “will be more painful.” The warning follows an initial counterstrike involving missiles and drones aimed at major Israeli population centers—an assault that triggered air raid sirens and sent civilians scrambling for shelter.
According to Haaretz, Iran is preparing additional operations targeting Israeli infrastructure and intelligence assets. The IRGC has reportedly placed regional proxies on alert.
Global Fallout and Warnings
The U.S. State Department and U.K. Foreign Office both issued emergency alerts urging their citizens to avoid non-essential travel in Israel and Iran, warning of a broader regional conflict. European airlines rerouted flights to avoid Iranian airspace, and crude oil prices spiked over concerns of supply disruption.
With both nations signaling continued hostilities, observers fear the conflict could expand beyond Israel and Iran—drawing in Hezbollah, U.S. assets in the Gulf, and destabilizing already fragile Middle Eastern alliances. Diplomats are scrambling behind the scenes, but neither side appears willing to de-escalate.
This marks a grave flashpoint in the long-running shadow war—one now fully exposed in open warfare.
