By: Sunday Ameh

Iran has launched a fresh wave of ballistic missile attacks on Israel, escalating tensions following recent coordinated military strikes involving the United States and Israel.

Israeli authorities said at least nine people were killed, 27 injured, and 11 others declared missing after an Iranian missile struck Beit Shemesh, a city west of Jerusalem.

In a statement posted on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accused Iran of destroying residential structures and causing civilian casualties during the attack.

Air-raid sirens reportedly sounded across central and southern Israel as missile warning systems were activated, prompting residents to seek shelter while Israeli air-defence systems attempted to intercept incoming projectiles.

The latest strikes mark a significant escalation in hostilities following coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory on Saturday. The strikes reportedly killed several senior Iranian officials, including Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Iranian authorities described the missile barrage as a retaliatory response to what they called “aggression” against the country, insisting the attacks were aimed at defending national sovereignty.

Reports indicate that Iranian military actions have also targeted locations linked to US forces and allied interests across parts of the Middle East, widening fears of a broader regional conflict.

Security analysts warn that the expanding exchange of strikes risks further destabilising an already volatile region, as global leaders call for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent a full-scale war.