Israel Vows Retaliation as Iranian Strikes Injure Hundreds and Hit Major Hospital

Tensions between Israel and Iran have erupted into one of the most dangerous confrontations in years, with Iranian missile strikes injuring at least 240 people across Israel and prompting a fierce Israeli response that now includes direct threats to Iran’s Supreme Leader.

Iranian Missiles Hit Hospital and Tel Aviv Homes

On Thursday, Iran launched a wave of missile attacks across Israel. One of the most alarming strikes hit Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israel’s main hospital in the south. The surgical ward was heavily damaged, and hospital officials said it was only thanks to earlier evacuations that mass casualties were avoided. Dozens were still injured.

In Tel Aviv, residential buildings were struck, adding to the casualty toll and rattling civilian neighborhoods far from the front lines.

Israeli Defense Minister: “Khamenei Must Not Continue to Exist”

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz placed direct blame on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for his elimination: “In order to achieve all of our goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist.”

Israeli forces responded with a major strike on Iran’s Arak heavy water nuclear reactor. The IAEA confirmed the facility was not active and posed no radiation threat. However, Israel released footage of the bombing, making clear it intends to severely degrade Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Trump to Decide on U.S. Military Involvement

The White House announced that President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether to join Israel’s military campaign. While Trump says he still hopes for a diplomatic solution, press secretary Karoline Leavitt quoted him as saying, “There’s a substantial chance of negotiations, but I’ll make my decision within the next two weeks.”

Massive Human Toll in Gaza, Iran, and Israel

• Gaza: In just the last 24 hours, 69 Palestinians were killed and 221 more injured amid continued Israeli airstrikes. Since October 2023, Gaza’s health ministry says over 55,000 have been killed and more than 130,000 injured.
• Iran: Israeli strikes have killed at least 639 people across Iran, according to Human Rights Activists, a U.S.-based rights group. Iran’s last official update reported 224 deaths.
• Israel: Beyond the 240 injuries from Iran’s latest barrage, multiple areas sustained damage, including hospitals, residential buildings, and key infrastructure.

Regional and Global Fallout

• Air Travel Disrupted: U.S. airlines including United, American, and Delta have suspended flights to the Middle East. Ben Gurion Airport remains closed.
• Evacuations Underway: Canada, Japan, China, and others are arranging for citizens to leave Israel and Iran. Cyprus has become a key transit hub.
• Diplomatic Backlash: Iran summoned Germany’s envoy for supporting Israeli strikes. The country has also asked the U.N. Security Council to condemn Israel’s attacks.
• Warnings from Russia, China, and Religious Leaders: Russia and China condemned Israel’s strikes and warned the U.S. not to escalate. Iraq’s Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani called a potential strike on Iran’s top leadership a “criminal act” that could unleash regional chaos.

Nuclear Tensions Rising

Israel claims to have destroyed two-thirds of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers and struck multiple nuclear-related sites. The Arak reactor strike aimed to halt any future plutonium production. Iran continues to enrich uranium at levels just short of weapons-grade.

Meanwhile, Iran’s blackout — the most severe since 2019 — has cut off internet access nationwide for over 24 hours.

International Diplomacy in Overdrive

Diplomatic talks are intensifying:

• Iran’s foreign minister is meeting European officials in Geneva.
• Egypt is pushing for a de-escalation dialogue.
• Italy and the U.S. have reaffirmed that “Iran must not have the atomic bomb.”
• The U.N. secretary-general is urging all sides to “return to diplomacy and stop the killing.”

Hezbollah and Militias Threaten U.S. Interests

Iraqi militia Harakat al-Nujaba warned it would target U.S. citizens if Khamenei is harmed. Hezbollah has praised Iran’s attacks but hasn’t confirmed whether it will join the fighting.

Final Word: A Region on the Edge

With missiles flying, leaders issuing ultimatums, and hospitals under fire, the Middle East is closer to the brink than it’s been in years. Whether Trump joins the war or finds a diplomatic offramp could determine whether this crisis becomes a full-blown regional conflict.

Source: AP News – The Latest: Israel threatens Iran’s supreme leader as Iranian strikes wound over 200