Tensions in the Middle East soared on Thursday as Iran launched a missile strike on Israel’s southern city of Beersheba, targeting what it described as military infrastructure in response to ongoing Israeli operations on Iranian territory.
The missile, which Iranian state media confirmed was fired by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), struck a facility in northern Beersheba. According to Israeli emergency services, six people sustained minor injuries, and fires broke out at the impact site. Structural damage was also reported, and the city’s northern train station was temporarily closed as authorities cordoned off the area.
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Iran’s Ministry of Defence called the missile strike a “measured and defensive response” to what it described as “unprovoked Israeli aggression”, including overnight air raids on Tehran and other key cities.
“This action was carefully calibrated to avoid civilian casualties and strictly target military assets,” a spokesperson for the IRGC said, adding that the strike was designed to deter further Israeli incursions.
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Iranian media claimed the Israeli operations involved over 60 fighter jets and at least 120 precision-guided munitions, which they allege hit both military and civilian infrastructure, resulting in significant loss of life.
The Iranian government also strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, where at least 34 Palestinians were killed overnight, including 23 civilians reportedly shot near the Netzarim Corridor while attempting to access humanitarian aid.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement accusing Israel of “systematic human rights violations” and called on the international community to urgently intervene to prevent a broader regional war.
As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, U.S. President Donald Trump said he will decide within two weeks whether the United States will intervene militarily.
Speaking through White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump signaled he is weighing options, noting:
“Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go [to war] within the next two weeks.”
Analysts warn that the growing tit-for-tat attacks between the regional rivals — combined with humanitarian concerns in Gaza — could ignite a broader Middle East conflict unless urgent diplomatic efforts are undertaken.
