BREAKING NEWS: After the Fordow Blast, Iran Launches Retaliatory Missile Barrage at USA

Tehran, Iran – In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran has launched a wave of ballistic missiles toward U.S. military installations in the region, calling it a “direct retaliation” for what it claims was a devastating attack on its Fordow nuclear facility earlier this week.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed in a televised statement early Saturday morning that a barrage of over 40 medium-range ballistic missiles had been fired at “enemy targets,” which reportedly include U.S. bases in Iraq, Syria, and the Persian Gulf.

The strike comes just days after a massive explosion rocked the heavily fortified Fordow uranium enrichment site, located deep underground near the city of Qom. Iranian officials quickly blamed the United States and Israel for the blast, calling it an act of war.

While both Washington and Tel Aviv have not officially confirmed involvement, unnamed U.S. defense officials had hinted at “covert operations aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.”

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, speaking through state media, vowed a “fierce and unforgettable response” shortly after the Fordow incident. “This aggression will not go unanswered. Our people demand justice. Tonight, we delivered a message,” he declared.

Targets and Initial Damage Reports

Preliminary reports from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirm that multiple missiles struck near Al Asad Airbase in western Iraq and other coalition installations, although a full damage assessment is still underway.

Early indications suggest at least a dozen casualties, including several critically wounded personnel. Two Patriot missile defense systems were reportedly activated, intercepting some projectiles, but not all.

Air raid sirens and alerts were triggered across military zones, and all non-essential personnel have been ordered to shelter in place.

Global Reactions

U.S. President John Whitmore is expected to address the nation from the White House Situation Room in the next hour. A senior White House official, speaking on background, said, “This is an act of open hostility. All options are on the table.”

Israel has placed its defense forces on high alert and deployed Iron Dome batteries across its northern regions, fearing further escalation. Meanwhile, Russia and China have called for “immediate de-escalation,” with Moscow urging both nations to “exercise strategic restraint.”

The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene an emergency session later today.

Background: Fordow Blast

The Fordow facility, one of Iran’s most secretive and fortified nuclear sites, is said to have been producing high-grade uranium, in violation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the U.S. withdrew from in 2018.

The explosion, which occurred on Tuesday, destroyed parts of the enrichment hall and reportedly trapped dozens of workers underground.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility, Iranian state media has framed it as “a sabotage act supported by Zionist and American forces.” Satellite images released by independent monitoring agencies confirm significant damage at the site.

What’s Next?

Analysts fear the latest exchange could spark a broader regional conflict, drawing in multiple powers and severely disrupting global energy markets. Crude oil prices surged by 11% within hours of the missile launches.

With retaliatory rhetoric now giving way to military action, experts warn the crisis may be entering an irreversible phase. Former U.N. diplomat Richard Goldstein told CNN, “The red lines have been crossed. Unless immediate diplomacy is engaged, we may be witnessing the beginning of a new and dangerous chapter in the Middle East.”