News Today: Iran bombs Israeli hospital

In a dramatic escalation of the Iran Israel war escalation 2025, Iran launched a missile and drone attack overnight that struck an Israeli hospital, prompting Israel to retaliate with powerful airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

The Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba sustained damage in the strike, which Israel calls a blatant act of state-sponsored terror. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they targeted Israeli military and intelligence sites near the hospital—claims that Israeli officials firmly denied.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a severe response, stating Tehran’s “tyrants” would pay the “full price.” As part of Israel’s retaliation, nuclear-related facilities including Natanz, Isfahan, and the under-construction Arak (Khondab) heavy-water reactor were attacked. Satellite imagery confirmed significant destruction to the Arak site, with blackened rooftops and collapsed towers.

A week into the conflict, the situation shows no sign of de-escalating. Israeli campaign aims not only to neutralize Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also to destabilize Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s regime.

As darkness fell on Thursday, Iranian media reported air defense responses to new Israeli strikes over Tehran. Iran has warned it will adopt a “different strategy” if any third party, notably the U.S., joins Israel in the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to make a formal decision but is expected to determine within “two weeks” whether to support Israel militarily. Though observers note Trump often uses “two weeks” as a placeholder, diplomatic activity has increased. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, has reportedly held several phone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Iranian lawmaker Behnam Saeedi hinted that Tehran might consider closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, if the crisis deepens. That would send shockwaves across global energy markets.