Iran’s Missile Strikes: A New Wave of Escalation in the Middle East.

Iran’s Missile Strikes: A New Wave of Escalation in the Middle East

Middle East tensions have hit boiling point as Iran fires a fresh wave of missiles to further escalate the already chaotic situation in the region. The missile strikes follow a string of major military moves by both Israel and Iran, setting in motion a pattern of retaliatory attacks that has raised the risk of further destabilization. In this article, we will take a closer look on what this recent escalation means, its impact and possible consequences for both parties involved and the entire world.

The Israeli Strikes on Iran

It all started to escalate after Israel carried out several pre-emptive aerial strikes on June 13, 2025 against Iranian military facilities. These strikes, codenamed "Operation Rising Lion," zeroed in on vital Iranian nuclear installations like Natanz and Fordow, missile launchers and military sites of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The attacks were said to cause massive casualties, including the killing of multiple top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.

The Israeli government has long argued that such measures were required to prevent Iran from strengthening its nuclear project, which Israel views as a direct threat to its security. But those strikes and others have only deepened the animosity driving the two nations apart, laying the groundwork for Iran’s retaliatory missile barrage on Tuesday.

Iran’s Response: Operation True Promise 3

As a result of Israeli airstrikes, Iran began attacking Israeli cities with a number of ballistic missile strikes on cities in Israel, most notably Tel Aviv and Rishon LeZion. The operation was named “Operation True Promise 3,” and used a variety of missiles meant to penetrate Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. Although Israel's iron dome defense system intercepted many of the entering missiles, many missiles still got through, inflicting civilian casualties and widespread property destruction.

At least three Israeli civilians were reported dead, with dozens more injured. Iran says its missile attacks were a response to Israeli aggression, with Israeli actions in its own territory standing as the breaking point.Approximately 800 Iranian targets were struck; Israel has vowed to launch additional attacks until Israel stops hitting Iranian soil.