War Escalates: Iran’s Cluster Missile Barrage Hits Israel, Hezbollah Joins Fight

The Middle East conflict surged to a perilous new level as Iran launched a barrage of cluster missiles targeting Israel, with Hezbollah intensifying the assault from Lebanon. The attack, reported at 9:42 AM, struck near Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, causing civilian casualties and damaging infrastructure. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility, stating the strikes were retaliation for Israel’s recent bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities near Natanz on June 18. Hezbollah’s simultaneous rocket attacks from southern Lebanon marked a coordinated offensive, raising fears of a wider regional war.

Iran’s Cluster Missile Assault

Iran deployed advanced cluster munitions, designed to scatter smaller explosives over wide areas, targeting residential zones and a hospital in Tel Aviv. Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted approximately 60% of the 150 missiles launched between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM, but several penetrated, killing at least 12 civilians and injuring 40, per Israeli authorities. The use of cluster bombs, criticized for their indiscriminate impact, has drawn international condemnation. Iran’s state media declared the attack a “decisive response,” while Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) vowed a “severe counterstrike,” escalating tensions further.

Hezbollah’s Role in the Conflict

The group, led by Hassan Nasrallah, claimed solidarity with Iran, citing Israel’s airstrikes on Beirut’s suburbs on June 19 as provocation. The IDF reported intercepting 70% of the rockets, but damage to infrastructure and three injuries were confirmed. Hezbollah’s involvement signals a dangerous expansion of the conflict, stretching Israel’s defenses across two fronts and complicating diplomatic efforts.

Dangerous turn in Middle East

The United Nations called an emergency Security Council meeting at 10:00 AM EST, urging de-escalation. The U.S., a staunch Israeli ally, condemned Iran’s actions, with President Trump pledging military support. Russia and China urged restraint, warning of a “catastrophic” regional spillover. As Israel prepares retaliatory strikes, the coordinated Iran-Hezbollah offensive threatens to ignite a broader conflict, with analysts fearing impacts on global oil markets and refugee flows.