US-Israeli strikes on Iran rrigger Ballistic missile retaliation

Early in the morning, the United States and Israel began a major military operation against Iran. US President Donald Trump announced that Washington had initiated a „large-scale military action,” stating that Iran would never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. According to the White House, Iranian nuclear infrastructure and military capabilities were among the primary targets.

Trump also claimed Iran had been attempting to rebuild its nuclear programme after previous strikes against its facilities last year. He warned that Iran’s missile forces and naval assets would be severely degraded and urged the Iranian population to take power after the operation concluded.

Within hours, the Israel Defense Forces reported detecting launches of Iranian ballistic missiles heading toward Israeli territory. Air defence systems were placed on full alert, including American systems protecting US installations across Israel and the wider region.

Iran had previously warned of a „crushing response” if attacked. The missiles are believed to include short-range ballistic systems such as the Fateh-110, though the size of the attack and whether cruise missiles or drones were also launched remains unclear.

Analysts estimate Iran possesses roughly 2,000 ballistic missiles. During the previous Israel-Iran confrontation in June 2025, approximately 550 missiles were fired, while hundreds more were destroyed in Israeli strikes on launchers and storage facilities. The current retaliation was widely anticipated, and Israeli and US forces appear to have prepared defensive measures in advance.

A US official indicated the operation against Iran could last several days. The situation remains fluid, with both sides on high military readiness. The unfolding confrontation significantly increases the risk of a broader regional war involving additional actors across the Middle East.