Tehran(The COW News Digital )Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically on Friday as Iran launched a powerful ballistic missile barrage targeting southern Israel, particularly the city of Beersheba. The attack caused extensive property damage, igniting fires near Microsoft’s local offices and leaving multiple buildings in ruins.
According to Israeli media, the missile strike occurred early Friday morning and hit residential and commercial zones. Several vehicles were destroyed, and large-scale fires broke out in multiple locations. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though damage assessments suggest a significant financial toll.
Emergency services, including Magen David Adom, responded swiftly, deploying firefighters and rescue teams to manage the blazes and assist civilians. The strike follows a similar incident just one day earlier, in which an Iranian missile struck Beersheba’s Soroka Hospital, injuring over 70 people—many of them seriously.
Israel’s military acknowledged that its interceptor defense system failed to neutralize the incoming missiles, citing a technical malfunction. The Israeli Defense Ministry has since intensified its surveillance and is on high alert for further escalation.
In a grave response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant threatened Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei directly, stating, “This war will only end with Khamenei’s elimination.” Gallant accused Khamenei of being the central figure behind the missile strikes.
Iran, for its part, justified the attack by claiming that Israel had been using civilian infrastructure—specifically Soroka Hospital—as a covert military base. Tehran’s statement emphasized that the strikes were guided by precise intelligence.
Amid the intensifying conflict, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether the United States will directly intervene in the Israel-Iran war. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is pursuing a diplomatic resolution but will not hesitate to use force if necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Leavitt reaffirmed that Trump views himself as a peace-oriented leader but emphasized that Washington remains committed to Israel’s security. The administration also confirmed that Trump is receiving regular briefings on the unfolding situation and is closely monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities.
The latest attacks are part of Iran’s ongoing operation “Wa’ad-e-Sadiq III,” involving the deployment of advanced Sejjil missiles. Iranian media claimed the missiles hit their intended targets in Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The crisis continues to unfold, with potential regional implications if the U.S. decides to engage militarily.
