Iran Retaliates, Striking Israeli Cities
Iran has launched a massive retaliatory strike against Israel following the assassination of its Supreme Leader, forcing millions of Israelis into bomb shelters. The wave of missiles and drones was described as the largest barrage Israel has ever faced. The UK has reportedly granted the U.S. permission to use its bases in Cyprus for potential strikes on Iran.
The strike shatters a long-standing "shadow war" that began after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution ended a period of prior alliance with Israel. For decades, the conflict was waged indirectly, with Iran backing proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas, while Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian assets in Syria and was blamed for the assassinations of nuclear scientists. This direct confrontation follows a series of recent escalations that moved the conflict out of the shadows. In April and October 2024, the two nations exchanged direct missile and drone fire for the first time. A more sustained, 12-day war erupted in June 2025, which saw Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iranian missile retaliation, drawing in direct U.S. military intervention. The assassination of the Supreme Leader targets the apex of Iran's power structure. As commander-in-chief, he holds final authority over all government, military, and intelligence matters, and can personally declare war or peace. His death triggers a constitutional process where an 88-member Assembly of Experts must choose a successor, creating a period of significant political uncertainty. Iran's retaliatory arsenal is considered the most diverse in the Middle East, featuring ballistic missiles like the Khorramshahr and Sejjil with ranges up to 2,000 km, and long-range drones such as the Shahed-136. Israel counters with a multi-layered air defense network, including the short-range Iron Dome, the mid-range David's Sling, and the Arrow system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles high above the atmosphere. The use of UK bases in Cyprus, specifically RAF Akrotiri, positions U.S. assets at a strategic hub for Middle East operations. The base has previously been used for missions over Syria and Iraq and for supporting past operations involving Iran. An Iranian-made drone recently struck the base, signaling that these forward positions are now considered active targets in the widening conflict.
