Escalation in the Middle East: Iran Launches Retaliatory Missile and Drone Attacks on Israel Following US-Israel Strikes

Shiite News: The Middle East has plunged into a major escalation as Iran launched its first wave of large-scale missile and drone attacks toward Israel on Saturday, in direct response to coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory earlier today.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement confirming the retaliation: “In response to the aggression of the hostile and criminal enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the first wave of large-scale missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran toward the occupied territories has begun.”

Explosions were heard in Jerusalem and sirens blared across Israel, including in northern areas and the Golan Heights, as the Israeli military activated air defenses to intercept incoming threats. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported detecting ballistic missiles launched from Iran and declared a nationwide state of emergency. Israeli officials described the Iranian response as anticipated, with interceptors engaging projectiles over central Israel and other regions.

The Iranian strikes follow joint US-Israeli “pre-emptive” attacks targeting Iranian military sites, including ballistic missile facilities, nuclear-related infrastructure, and IRGC assets.
Explosions rocked Tehran and other cities, with smoke plumes visible and reports of strikes in central districts.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the operations as “major combat operations,” naming the US component Operation Epic Fury, aimed at destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, navy, and nuclear program while calling for regime change.

A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera that “everything is on the table, including scenarios that were not previously under consideration,” adding: “We say clearly to Israel to prepare for what is coming. Our response will be public, and there will be no red lines.” Iranian state media reported nationwide impacts from the initial US-Israeli strikes, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly moved to a secure location and airspace closed.

In a related development, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis announced they will resume attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor, signaling renewed threats to maritime traffic. Houthi officials indicated solidarity with Iran, potentially restarting missile and drone strikes on vessels and possibly Israel, following a prior pause tied to earlier ceasefires.

The strikes come amid stalled indirect US-Iran nuclear talks, with the US demanding zero enrichment and full dismantling of facilities—terms Iran has rejected as excessive. Analysts warn of risks for broader regional involvement, including potential proxy actions against US bases.

Casualties and damage assessments remain preliminary and unconfirmed from both sides, with the situation highly fluid. Israel has closed its airspace to civilian flights, and regional allies are on high alert. International leaders are monitoring closely amid fears of a wider conflict.