In retaliation to US air strikes on its nuclear facilities, Iran on Sunday launched missile attack on Israel and announced the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, sharply raising fears of a broader regional conflict

According to international news agencies, Iran fired at least 25 missiles targeting Israeli sites, with loud explosions reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Air raid sirens were activated across various regions, prompting widespread panic and an emergency response from Israeli defence forces.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the Iranian missile strike, stating: “Moments ago, missiles were launched from Iranian territory toward Israel. Our air defence systems have been activated, and civilians are instructed to take immediate shelter and remain there until further notice.”

Emergency services in Israel, including Magen David Adom (MDA), have reported significant destruction in Tel Aviv, where multiple residential buildings have been either partially or completely destroyed.

Video footage from the scene shows extensive damage and rescue teams working to locate survivors under the rubble.

Authorities confirmed at least 11 people have been injured so far, with search-and-rescue operations ongoing in multiple impacted areas.

Bomb disposal units have been deployed across central Israel, and officials in Haifa also confirmed missile strikes in the northern city.

In response to the situation, the Israeli government has declared a national state of emergency, mobilizing military units and dispatching rescue teams to over ten missile-hit zones.

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz

In a parallel and highly consequential move, Iranian state media reported that Tehran has officially closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments.

Iranian officials warned that no European naval vessels will be allowed safe passage, declaring: “Europe’s energy corridor has been disrupted — no warships will reach their destinations.”

Context of the escalation

This retaliation comes just hours after the US launched air strikes on Iran’s major nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Although Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed the attacks, it stated that the sites had been evacuated beforehand and no nuclear materials were compromised.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the US strike “an act of war,” warning: “America is now officially in direct conflict. It must now wait and pay the price for its actions.”

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also issued a stark warning: “The war has now begun for Iran. All American assets in the Middle East are legitimate targets.”

Regional analysts say the situation is rapidly evolving into a full-scale war, with potential for global repercussions.

Emergency military deployments are underway across the Middle East, and international observers fear the outbreak of a broader conflict involving multiple nations.

With the Strait of Hormuz closed and missiles falling on Israeli soil, the crisis has entered a dangerous new phase — one that could reshape the geopolitical landscape for years to come.