Iran Fires Missile Barrage at Israel After Assassinations, Raising Regional Tensions

Iran launched more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday in what it described as retaliation for recent assassinations, escalating fears of a wider regional conflict. Israeli officials said the vast majority of the missiles were intercepted by air defenses, with assistance from U.S. forces operating in the region.

Despite the scale of the attack, damage inside Israel was limited. Authorities reported minor damage and several injuries in central parts of the country, but no immediate reports of mass casualties. Air raid sirens sounded across multiple areas as residents were urged to seek shelter during the barrage.

The strike marked one of the most direct and significant attacks between Iran and Israel in recent years. It followed a period of heightened tension across the Middle East, where conflict has already spread through multiple flashpoints. International leaders quickly called for restraint, warning that further retaliation could trigger a broader and more dangerous confrontation.

Washington said its forces helped intercept incoming missiles, underscoring the depth of U.S. involvement in regional security. Analysts said the exchange could test diplomatic efforts to prevent a larger war, even as both sides signal they are prepared for further escalation.