Israel Vows Vengeance After Iran Targets Hospital with Ballistic Missile/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel has openly threatened Iran’s Supreme Leader after a missile strike damaged a southern Israeli hospital and wounded over 240 people. In retaliation, Israeli jets hit Iran’s Arak nuclear reactor, escalating fears of a broader war. Iran rejects surrender and warns of repercussions.
Israel-Iran Conflict Escalation + Quick Looks:
- Over 240 injured as Iranian missile hits Israeli hospital.
- Israel strikes Arak reactor, threatens Iran’s Supreme Leader.
- Trump reportedly blocked Israeli plan to kill Khamenei.
- Iran says no radiation leak from Arak nuclear site.
- Israel has now hit multiple Iranian nuclear facilities.
- Iran fires 400+ missiles, drones; 24 Israelis killed.
- Diplomatic talks expected Friday in Geneva with EU leaders.
Israel Vows Vengeance After Iran Targets Hospital with Ballistic Missile
Deep Look
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran intensified dramatically Thursday after an Iranian missile barrage hit Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, wounding over 240 people and damaging surrounding buildings. In a rare and direct escalation, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz openly threatened the life of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating that he “absolutely should not continue to exist.”
The Israeli government also confirmed that its fighter jets struck Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor—long considered a critical piece of Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure. According to Israeli military sources, the operation targeted the reactor’s core seal, which could be used in plutonium production, a potential pathway to nuclear weapons.
This latest round of violence comes amid one of the region’s most dangerous escalations in years. A Washington-based Iranian human rights organization reported at least 639 Iranian deaths, including 263 civilians, following a week of Israeli airstrikes. Iran has retaliated with over 400 missiles and hundreds of drones, resulting in 24 Israeli deaths and hundreds of injuries.
The Israeli strike on Soroka Hospital forced its partial closure, though the majority of injuries were minor. The Health Ministry confirmed that over 70 injuries occurred at the hospital itself, though no fatalities were reported there. Emergency protocols were enacted across Israeli medical facilities, with many patients moved to underground units or emergency shelters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the Iranian missile strike and promised retribution. “We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran,” he declared.
In a related development, U.S. officials revealed that President Donald Trump had vetoed an earlier Israeli plan to assassinate Khamenei, though Trump later clarified that there are currently “no plans” to target him.
Iran, for its part, downplayed the damage at Arak. State-run media reported no radiation leakage and said the facility had been safely evacuated. An on-site journalist said there was no impact on nearby civilian areas, though Israeli officials issued prior warnings and urged evacuations.
The Arak site has long been a source of international concern. Under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Tehran agreed to redesign the reactor to limit proliferation risks. However, after Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement in 2018, Iran reportedly kept replacement parts and reactivated development in violation of prior constraints.
Israeli officials said the Arak strike was aimed at preventing future plutonium production. The reactor is one of several Iranian nuclear sites now damaged by Israeli airstrikes, including facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and centrifuge plants near Tehran.
Iran remains defiant. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Iranian mission to the United Nations said Iran “does NOT negotiate under duress” and vowed “reciprocal measures” for any threats or actions against it.
Amid the military escalation, diplomacy is showing early signs of re-emerging. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced plans to meet European counterparts Friday in Geneva. The talks will include foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany, along with the EU’s top diplomat, signaling potential efforts to de-escalate tensions diplomatically.
Meanwhile, President Trump continues to hint at broader U.S. involvement. While not committing to joining Israel’s campaign, he said he wants “something much bigger” than a simple ceasefire. Iran, however, has warned that any deeper American role would provoke “dire consequences.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed concern about the strikes on nuclear facilities, warning of long-term consequences. The IAEA last inspected the Arak reactor on May 14, but said it has since lost the ability to fully track Iran’s heavy water production, raising fresh proliferation concerns.
As both sides harden their positions—with direct threats, military action, and diplomatic moves—the Israel-Iran conflict is rapidly evolving into a wider regional confrontation with significant global implications.
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