Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles towards Israel on Thursday, shortly after US President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum urging Tehran to halt hostilities and agree to a deal.
The Israeli military confirmed that its air defence systems were activated in response to the incoming threat, marking a rapid escalation in tensions following Trump’s address to the nation on the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Air Defences Activated, Sirens Across Northern Israel
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had “identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel” for the third time in just over three hours.
“Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military added.
Air raid sirens were sounded across northern Israel, according to the Home Front Command. There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, news agency AFP reported.
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Escalation After Trump’s Warning
The missile launches came minutes after Trump concluded his address on ‘Operation Epic Fury’, in which he warned Iran of severe consequences if a deal is not reached.
“We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages,” Trump said.
He added that while discussions were ongoing, failure to reach an agreement would trigger sweeping strikes on Iran’s infrastructure.
“If there is no deal… we are going to hit each and every one of their electric generating plants very hard, and probably simultaneously,” he warned.
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Conflict Rooted in February Strikes
The ongoing exchange of missiles and drones traces back to February 28, when US-Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a wider conflict.
While Washington dubbed the campaign “Operation Epic Fury”, Israel referred to it as ‘Operation Roaring Lion’.
