Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) launched more than 40 missiles at US and Israeli targets on Wednesday, intensifying hostilities in the Middle East. “Several hours ago, the 17th wave of operation Honest Promise 4 was conducted with the launch of 40 missiles by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ aerospace forces, towards American and Zionist targets,” a statement broadcast on state television said.

 

The Guards also claimed full control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that vessels passing through the strategic waterway risk damage from missiles or stray drones.

 

Israel confirmed ongoing strikes against missile launchers in Iran. Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said, “We have destroyed dozens of missile launchers that posed significant threats to the Israeli front. We will continue to strike the missile launchers and reduce the firing, but the regime still has significant capacity, and I would like to remind you that our defence is not impenetrable.”

 

Air raid sirens sounded across Israel, including in occupied Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, after missiles were launched from Iran. Residents were instructed to seek shelter, though the alerts were lifted within minutes and no casualties were reported. 

 

Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, confirmed no immediate injuries.

 

Regional militaries reported heightened alert. Kuwait detected inbound missiles and drones and said it was intercepting them, while Qatar said its defence systems neutralised incoming missiles. The United Arab Emirates reported responding to ballistic missile threats, and Saudi Arabia confirmed drones struck the US embassy compound in Riyadh, causing material damage.

 

International responses included statements from the European Commission, which said it was “ready to defend EU interests” after US President Donald Trump threatened to penalize Spain for refusing US access to bases for attacks on Iran. 

 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, “The position of the government of Spain can be summed up in four words: no to war.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the strikes as “not consistent or to be inconsistent with international law,” and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said French Rafale jets had neutralised Iranian drones targeting UAE bases.

 

Iranian officials reiterated their stance. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that US President Donald Trump has “betrayed diplomacy and Americans who elected him”. Previously he said that United States had entered “a war of choice on behalf of Israel” and held Washington responsible for casualties on both sides.

 

Senior aide to Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Mohammad Mokhber, said Iran had no intention of negotiating with the United States and could continue operations as long as necessary.

 

The conflict follows joint US-Israeli strikes launched on Saturday, which Iranian media assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Since then, Iran has carried out missile and drone attacks on US-linked targets in the Gulf. The US Central Command said more than 1,250 targets, including missile sites, naval vessels, and command centres, have been struck in the past 48 hours, with six US service members killed. The US State Department has urged Americans to leave 15 Middle Eastern countries, while Canada advised citizens to depart the UAE.