Iran Attacks Israel: Over 400 Missiles Launched | Latest Updates
The Middle East remains on high alert following a significant escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, compounded by ongoing US involvement. While a twelve-day war between Iran and Israel concluded in , a new phase of conflict began on , with the United States and Israel launching strikes against Iranian targets. This has triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran, extending the conflict’s reach across the region.
Explosions have been reported for over three weeks in in Iran, Israel, and several other Middle Eastern states. The initial strikes by the US and Israel targeted Iranian energy infrastructure, including the South Pars gasfield, causing a surge in oil and gas prices. Tehran responded by launching waves of missiles and drones not only at Israel but also towards military bases in the Middle East where US forces are stationed.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), US forces have struck more than 7,000 targets within Iran since . The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims to have launched attacks on at least 27 bases hosting US troops, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel. Iran has reportedly conducted strikes across nine countries: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and even a drone strike on a UK military base in Cyprus.
The Twelve-Day War, while officially concluded, provides crucial context for the current situation. That conflict began with an unspecified action by Israel against Iran. The inconclusive ceasefire did not resolve underlying tensions, and the current escalation appears to be a continuation of that unresolved conflict, now with increased US involvement. A merging of documents detailing the prelude to the Twelve-Day War with the main article on the conflict was underway as of .
Casualty figures remain difficult to verify independently. Israeli sources report 32 civilian and one off-duty soldier killed, with 3,238 wounded. They also claim to have shot down two Hermes drones and destroyed 950 drones before launch, along with over 200 ballistic missile launchers and 120 surface-to-air missile launchers. Iranian reports claim the destruction of 61+ UAVs and cruise missiles, and the seizure of over 10,000 drones. They also allege the arrest of 700+ Mossad agents, with five subsequently executed. Iranian state media reports 1,060 killed and 5,800 wounded. The human rights organization HRANA reports a higher death toll of 1,190, broken down as 436 civilians, 435 military personnel, and 319 unidentified individuals, with 4,475 injured.
The involvement of multiple actors adds layers of complexity to the conflict. Israel is led by Benjamin Netanyahu, with Israel Katz and Eyal Zamir playing key roles. On the US side, Donald Trump and figures like Pete Hegseth and Michael Kurilla are involved. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei oversees the conflict, with Masoud Pezeshkian (who sustained injuries) and several other military commanders – including Abdolrahim Mousavi, Mohammad Bagheri, Gholam Ali Rashid, Hossein Salami, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh – directing operations. The Houthis, led by Abdul-Malik al-Houthi and Muhammad al-Ghamari (also wounded), are also participating.
The conflict’s impact extends beyond direct military engagements. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates have all reported Iranian attacks on energy sites, contributing to global economic instability. Iran had previously warned that any attack would result in targeting US military facilities across the region, a threat that appears to be materializing. The situation is further complicated by the presence of US forces in multiple countries in the region, making them potential targets and raising the risk of a wider regional war.
The current escalation represents a dangerous intensification of the long-standing tensions between Iran and Israel, with the United States playing an increasingly direct role. The lack of a clear resolution to the Twelve-Day War, coupled with ongoing regional rivalries and the involvement of multiple actors, suggests that the path to de-escalation will be challenging. The economic consequences, particularly regarding energy prices, are already being felt globally, and the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern.