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The Middle East is on edge after a terrifying exchange of missiles and airstrikes between Israel and Iran on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The conflict, which has already killed at least 81 people, is growing more dangerous by the hour, with Iran now threatening to attack US military bases in the region. The fighting has left cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem under fire, with people running to shelters as air raid sirens scream through the night.
It all started when Israel launched a massive attack, called "Operation Rising Lion," on Friday, hitting Iran’s nuclear sites, military bases, and top commanders. Iran says 78 people, mostly civilians, were killed and over 300 injured in these strikes. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Ali Bahreini, told the UN Security Council that the attacks targeted the heart of Iran’s nuclear and military structures, killing two deputy commanders and other key figures.
In response, Iran fired a wave of over 100 missiles and drones at Israel, targeting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. At least three people died in Israel, including a man aged 45 and a woman in her 60s in the Coastal Plains region, and another woman in Tel Aviv when a building was hit. Dozens more were injured, some trapped under rubble, as buildings and cars were destroyed. Israel’s Iron Dome defence system stopped many missiles, but some got through, causing chaos and fear. Emergency workers described a “difficult and complex scene” as they searched for survivors.
Iran’s leaders are furious and have promised more attacks. A senior Iranian military official, quoted by Fars News Agency, warned that the fight “will not end with last night’s actions.” They also threatened to target US bases in places like Iraq, accusing America of helping Israel shoot down Iranian missiles. The US says it wasn’t involved in Israel’s attack but confirmed it helped defend Israel by intercepting some of Iran’s missiles and drones.
The fighting caused major disruptions. Israel, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon closed their airspace, halting flights. Jordan reopened its airspace at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, but Amman’s airport was a mess as people rushed to leave. Lebanon planned to reopen its airspace at 10:00 a.m. local time. In Israel, schools were shut, and events like the Tel Aviv Pride Parade were cancelled. Israel also closed checkpoints to the West Bank, trapping Palestinians inside.
The world is watching with worry. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres begged both sides to show “maximum restraint” to avoid a bigger war. Neighbouring countries like Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf states are nervous, fearing the conflict could spread. Iran’s allies, like Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, have promised to join the fight against Israel, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were needed to stop Iran’s nuclear programme, which he claims is a threat to Israel’s survival. Iran denies it is building a nuclear bomb and says its response will be “painful” for Israel. The US, led by President Donald Trump, is trying to negotiate a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear work, but talks are shaky, and Trump has warned Iran against building a nuclear weapon.
As missiles fly and tensions rise, people in the Middle East are scared. Families in Tel Aviv hid in underground shelters, while in Tehran, smoke rose from damaged buildings. The question now is whether this deadly clash will spiral into a full-scale war, dragging in more countries and causing even more heartbreak.
What do you think can be done to stop this dangerous conflict?
