Iran has launched a series of retaliatory attacks across the Middle East following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian territory, according to BBC News live reporting.
Heavy Casualties Reported in Iran
BBC News reports that more than 200 people have been killed and hundreds injured across at least 24 provinces in Iran. Iranian state media said at least 53 people were killed in a strike on a girls’ school in Hormozgan province.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that around 200 fighter jets carried out what it described as the largest military flyover in its history, dropping hundreds of munitions on approximately 500 targets in western and central Iran. Israeli officials claimed that “several senior figures” within the Iranian regime were eliminated.
Satellite imagery reviewed by BBC Verify showed damage at a compound linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that Khamenei is “alive” as far as he is aware, but acknowledged possible losses among commanders.
Iran Strikes US Bases and Allies
In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting US military bases and allied locations across the Gulf region, BBC News reports.
Explosions were reported in Dubai near the Fairmont The Palm hotel in Palm Jumeirah, injuring four people. In Doha, blasts were seen near Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the region. Bahrain confirmed a missile attack targeting a US naval base, while Kuwait said a drone struck near its international airport, causing minor injuries.
US air defenses intercepted drones over a military base near Erbil, Iraq, while Jordan said it shot down ballistic missiles that entered its airspace. Israel also reported incoming Iranian missiles, with sirens sounding across several areas.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry described the strikes as acts of “self-defence,” insisting it was targeting American bases and not neighbouring Arab states.
Threat to Global Oil Supply
BBC News also reports that Iran-affiliated outlet Tasnim said the strategic Strait of Hormuz could be closed. The strait is a crucial global oil transit route, handling roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments.
Diplomatic Efforts Collapse
According to BBC News, diplomatic efforts to revive nuclear negotiations appear to have broken down. US President Donald Trump confirmed that “major combat operations” were underway, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said British aircraft were participating in coordinated regional defensive operations.
The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting after UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
With fresh explosions reported in Tehran and Israel saying its air force continues to operate, BBC News indicates that tensions remain extremely high, with fears growing of a wider regional conflict.
