Iran and Israel trade strikes in escalating war, regional tensions soar

Tehran and Tel Aviv launch unprecedented strikes on each other’s heartlands, with missiles and drones hitting hospitals, nuclear facilities, and military sites

TEHRAN/TEL AVIVI (MNTV) – The Middle East edged closer to regional war Thursday as Iran and Israel exchanged their most devastating blows yet, with heavy missile and drone attacks targeting military and civilian infrastructure across both countries.

The Iranian missile barrage on Thursday morning injured at least 271 people in Israel, with four in critical condition, and left over 5,000 residents homeless. At least 24 Israelis have been killed in the past week.

Israel also launched a series of major airstrikes across Iran, including an attack on the Arak heavy water reactor and a reported hit on a nuclear site in Natanz.

Iran says at least 240 people, including 70 women and children, have been killed in Israeli air raids since hostilities erupted last Friday.

Over 1,300 people have been wounded.

The exchange began with Israeli air raids on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, prompting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to unleash a new wave of ballistic missiles and over 100 suicide drones, striking Israeli economic and military targets.

The Israeli stock exchange in Ramat Gan, a core economic hub, and Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, a major trauma centre, suffered direct hits.

Iran claims it was targeting a nearby military command centre, accusing Israel of using the hospital to treat soldiers returning from Gaza operations. Footage from Soroka Hospital showed shattered glass, debris, and scenes of chaos as staff evacuated patients.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi defended the strike, calling it a precision hit on “command and control” facilities used in the Gaza campaign.

Israel’s military confirmed the attack but denounced the hospital strike as “deliberate targeting of civilians.” Military spokesperson Effie Defrin said, “Iran’s intent is clear: to cause maximum casualties.”

Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported continued Israeli air raids in Lorestan, Mashhad, and western Iran, with an Israeli Hermes drone reportedly downed. In retaliation, Iran’s armed forces struck multiple Israeli cities, including Haifa and Tel Aviv, with combined missile-drone salvos targeting military-industrial complexes and air defence systems.

Both sides claim operational success. While Israel acknowledges Iran’s missile capabilities remain intact, Iran’s military leadership has warned of “no limits” to its response.

The diplomatic fallout intensified Thursday. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping issued a joint call for immediate de-escalation.

During a phone call, both leaders condemned Israel’s airstrikes, with Xi warning that “armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes.” Beijing stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire to avoid broader regional conflict.

The United States, so far, has not engaged militarily. President Donald Trump denied authorising any attacks on Iran despite reports from The Wall Street Journal suggesting he had signed off on contingency plans.

“The Wall Street Journal has no idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran,” he posted on Truth Social. However, Trump hinted that all options remain on the table.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned Washington of “serious irreparable consequences” if the U.S. intervenes directly. Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Katz further escalated rhetoric, declaring that “eliminating Ayatollah Khamenei” is now a key objective.