In a sharp escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Iran has reportedly launched multiple missile strikes targeting US military bases in the region after its key nuclear facilities were bombed by the United States and Israel, according to a report by Axios citing official sources.
The report states that six missiles were fired toward Qatar and at least one toward Iraq, following the US-led operation that struck three major Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—on June 22. The offensive, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, was carried out using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles. The strikes are believed to have caused serious damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Despite the intensity of the operation, US Vice President JD Vance clarified that Washington is not seeking a full-scale war with Tehran. “We want peace, but peace must mean no nuclear weapons program and that’s what the President ensured with last night’s action,” he said in a televised statement.
Iran, however, warned of severe consequences. A military spokesperson said the US would face “heavy consequences” for targeting its nuclear sites. The retaliatory missile launches appear to be the first step in Iran’s response.
The situation has heightened regional tensions, prompting Qatar to temporarily shut its airspace on Monday as a precaution. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Mariano Grossi, expressed concern about the condition of Iran’s nuclear facilities, particularly Fordow, noting that the heavy explosions and vibrations could have caused substantial damage to the sensitive centrifuges housed underground.
