Iran Ballistic Missile Attack on Israel Escalates Regional Conflict

On the morning of June 19, Iran launched at least one ballistic missile with a cluster warhead, targeting central Israel. This was reported by the Logistics Command of the Israel Defense Forces, according to information published in The Times of Israel.

The military noted that the missile’s warhead split at an altitude of about 7 km, dispersing around 20 smaller munitions over an area of 8 km. These munitions have no engines and fall to the ground uncontrollably. One of them hit a residential building in the city of Azor, causing damage comparable to the effects of a small missile strike.

The Israeli army emphasized that a missile with a cluster warhead has a larger area of effect compared to conventional Iranian missiles, although the power of each individual munition is lower.

In total, Iran fired about 20 ballistic missiles. According to Israeli sources, four missiles struck a residential building in Azor, while others with larger warheads hit the Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheva, as well as facilities in Ramat Gan and Holon. These attacks caused significant destruction and dozens of injuries.

“The command warns civilians not to approach missile debris, as they may explode. Recommendations on how to act during cluster munition attacks remain in effect.”

On the night of June 13, the Israel Defense Forces launched an air operation against Iran’s nuclear program, striking dozens of targets within Iran, including facilities related to uranium enrichment and other military sites.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation’s goal is “to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, its ballistic missile production plants, and military capabilities.” He emphasized that the operation will continue as long as necessary to fully accomplish the mission.

The attack resulted in the deaths of the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, and the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, according to the Iranian state news agency.

Following the Israeli strikes, several countries closed their airspace. The IAEA expressed concern about attacks on nuclear facilities, while Iran assured that its nuclear sites did not suffer serious damage.

In response to Israel’s attacks, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israeli territory. On June 13 and 14, Israel carried out new airstrikes on Iranian cities housing key defense installations and military bases.

At an emergency UN Security Council meeting on June 13, Iran officially accused the United States of involvement in Israel’s strikes on Iranian territory. Washington denied these accusations and called on Tehran to negotiate over its nuclear program.

On June 18, The Wall Street Journal reported that the US president approved plans to attack Iran but postponed their execution to give Tehran a chance to abandon its nuclear program. One possible target is the uranium enrichment facility at Fordow, located under a mountain and difficult to hit with conventional bombs.

“Maybe I will do it, maybe I won’t,” – former President Donald Trump responded when asked about the possibility of striking Iran’s nuclear sites.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared that Iran will not surrender and warned that any American military intervention would have “irreparable consequences.”