World on Edge: Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates as Missiles Fly and Nuclear Sites Targeted

The Middle East is once again on the brink of wider war as Israel and Iran have entered a new and highly volatile phase of open military confrontation. The past two weeks have seen a flurry of airstrikes, drone barrages, and missile launches, culminating in direct U.S. military involvement and renewed fears of nuclear escalation.

This conflict—rooted in decades of geopolitical rivalry, sectarian divisions, and nuclear tension—has now reached unprecedented intensity, drawing in international actors and reshaping global diplomatic priorities overnight.

Israeli Airstrikes Mark a New Chapter

The crisis escalated rapidly on June 13 when the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a coordinated series of strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. Among the primary targets were facilities associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), air defense systems, and suspected missile production plants.

According to Israeli sources, these strikes were designed to disrupt Iran's growing military presence in Syria and degrade its ability to deliver precision-guided munitions to proxy forces across the region.

However, international watchdogs have raised concerns about the legality and humanitarian consequences of the strikes, with civilian casualties reported in Isfahan and Mashhad.

Iran's Retaliation: Operation "Glad Tidings of Victory"

Iran responded within hours. On June 13, Tehran launched more than 150 ballistic missiles and over 100 drones in a coordinated counteroffensive aimed at Israeli cities and infrastructure. The majority were intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling defense systems, but several managed to breach defenses.

One of the most devastating strikes hit the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba on June 19, injuring dozens and triggering a hazardous chemical leak. Medical staff condemned the attack as a violation of international law, and Israeli authorities suggested it may constitute a war crime.

The psychological toll was palpable. Schools and public buildings across Israel were shuttered, and air raid sirens became a daily reality for millions.

U.S. Enters the Fray: "Operation Midnight Hammer"

In a dramatic shift in posture, the United States entered the conflict overnight on June 21–22 with a series of high-impact airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear program. Dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer," the campaign saw B-2 stealth bombers deliver 14 GBU-57 bunker-busting bombs onto the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites.

Tomahawk cruise missiles, launched from U.S. submarines in the Persian Gulf, supplemented the aerial assault. The Pentagon stated the strikes were a “preventive action to halt imminent nuclear breakout,” while critics described the move as reckless and legally questionable.

Iranian state media accused Washington of "open warfare" and vowed to retaliate against U.S. assets across the region.

Iranian Strike on U.S. Base in Qatar

On June 23, Iran followed through with its threat. Multiple ballistic missiles targeted the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Most were intercepted, but the attack marked the first direct Iranian strike on a U.S. base since the 2020 killing of General Qassem Soleimani.

The Pentagon confirmed no casualties but characterized the event as a “serious escalation.” In response, U.S. naval assets in the Gulf have been placed on high alert, and additional missile defense batteries have been deployed across regional bases.

Nuclear Capabilities in Focus

Amid the military exchanges, Iran unveiled the Qassem Bassir missile in May 2025. A solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), it boasts a range of 1,200 kilometers and advanced counter-interception technologies.

Western analysts fear the Qassem Bassir could reach strategic targets in Israel and potentially NATO installations in southern Europe. Its development—accelerated since 2023—underscores Iran's determination to modernize its missile forces despite international sanctions.

At the same time, Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts remain a point of contention. While the recent U.S. airstrikes inflicted damage, experts warn that Iran retains the expertise and infrastructure to rebuild rapidly.

UK Revives Nuclear Deterrence

The UK government, responding to what it calls “a deteriorating global security environment,” confirmed the acquisition of U.S.-made B61-12 tactical nuclear bombs to be deployed aboard RAF F-35A fighter jets.

This marks Britain’s return to air-deployed nuclear capability for the first time since the Cold War and signals growing NATO alignment amid fears of broader conflict.

The move has been both lauded and criticized. Proponents cite deterrence value; critics warn it may normalize the role of tactical nuclear weapons in conflict planning.

Global Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout

The United Nations has called for “immediate de-escalation and restraint by all parties,” though efforts to convene an emergency Security Council session have stalled amid U.S. and Russian opposition.

Russia and China condemned the U.S. airstrikes, while France and Germany called for a multilateral ceasefire mechanism. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain officially neutral but are reportedly preparing civil defense contingencies.

Tensions have also flared within the U.S. Congress, where lawmakers are split on whether the strikes had constitutional or legal justification. Senator Bernie Sanders called the operation “an undeclared war,” while Senate Republicans praised President Biden’s decisiveness.

Ceasefire Attempts and Fragile Peace

Despite U.S. calls for a ceasefire beginning June 24, fresh missile launches from Iran into northern Israel were reported just minutes after the proposed time. Israel responded with limited retaliatory strikes but stopped short of full escalation.

A senior IDF official told WPF News, “We are not seeking war, but we will not tolerate ongoing attacks.” Iranian leadership, for its part, insists that de-escalation will only be possible if “aggression from the Zionist entity and its allies ceases.”

The path forward remains highly uncertain.

Conclusion: A Tipping Point for the Region

The current crisis marks one of the most dangerous confrontations between Israel and Iran in modern history. With both nations demonstrating unprecedented missile capabilities, and with direct involvement from global powers, the risk of full-scale war looms large.

While diplomacy remains possible, time is rapidly running out. The coming days will likely determine whether the world steps back from the brink—or slides further into a regional war with potentially nuclear consequences.

WPF News will continue to monitor developments and provide in-depth coverage as the situation evolves.

© 2025 WPF News – Independent Journalism in the Public Interest