Joint US and Israeli attacks inside Iran trigger retaliatory missile and drone strikes across Israel, Iraq, Lebanon, escalating regional tensions.
Israel and the US increased their military campaign inside Iran today, while Iran and its allied militias targeted Israeli and Western-affiliated targets, escalating missile and drone exchanges across the Middle East.
In a retaliatory move following joint US and Israeli operations over the weekend, Tehran said Iranian and Iran-backed forces fired missiles at Israel and other Arab nations. The initial operation allegedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with other senior military officials, causing a massive increase in hostilities.
A senior Iranian security official, Ali Larijani indicated ongoing defense as airstrikes continued on social media by announcing Tehran would not be involved in talks with Washington.
A day after claiming to have fired on a US base in Irbil, a pro-Iranian militia in Iraq claimed credit for a drone attack that targeted American forces at Baghdad International Airport. A drone attack against a British military installation on the island was also reported by Cyprus.
Israel and the US claimed to have destroyed the Iranian navy's headquarters and multiple warships when they attacked Iranian missile facilities and naval capabilities. According to US President Donald Trump, nine Iranian warships have been sunk and B-2 stealth bombers have dropped 2,000 pound bombs on ballistic missile installations. Since the strikes started, more than 200 people have been murdered, according to Iranian authorities.
Hezbollah in Lebanon said that in retaliation for Khamenei's murder and other Israeli activities, it launched missiles into Israel. Israel replied with airstrikes on Beirut and called for evacuations in dozens of villages in eastern and southern Lebanon after claiming to have intercepted one rocket and others landing in open areas.
While Gulf Arab states cautioned that they reserve the right to retaliate, Britain, France and Germany indicated that they are willing to cooperate with Washington in order to stop Iran's attacks. As military activities continue, analysts warn that the lack of leadership in Tehran may exacerbate regional instability.
