Israel Warns of Full Force Response as Middle East Conflict Escalates
Israel has warned it will retaliate with "full force" if Iranian missiles hit its territory after a US-brokered ceasefire collapsed. Iran launched missile strikes targeting infrastructure in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, while the US expanded attacks on Iranian military sites, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Israel has issued a stern warning that it will respond with "full force" if Iranian missiles strike within its territory, signalling a potential return to large-scale regional conflict. This development follows the collapse of a ceasefire brokered by the US, as a fresh wave of ballistic missile strikes across the Middle East has reignited hostilities between Tehran and its neighbours.
As per a report by The Guardian, Iran launched salvoes of missiles on Sunday targeting critical infrastructure, including power and water desalination plants in Kuwait, as well as sites in Jordan and Bahrain. In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the country remains prepared for both defensive and offensive operations to ensure its security.
Military Escalation and US Involvement
The conflict has intensified following the deaths of two US soldiers in an Iranian strike on a Jordanian airbase last Friday. In retaliation, the US Central Command (Centcom) reported that it has conducted an eighth day of strikes targeting Iranian coastal surveillance, air defence facilities, and missile storage sites. Furthermore, the US is expected to reinforce its regional posture by deploying additional refuelling aircraft to Israel.
Tensions have also surged in the Strait of Hormuz, where the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that vessels attempting to navigate the waterway via "unsafe routes" would face incidents. Iran has reported that two ships were involved in accidents in the area, while other vessels reportedly turned back to avoid the region entirely.
Concerns Over Humanitarian and Nuclear Sites
Tehran has accused the US of striking a nuclear power plant under construction in Darkhovin, though the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the facility housed no nuclear material. The IAEA director general, Rafael Grossi, has nonetheless urged both sides to exercise military restraint near all nuclear-related sites to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, the targeting of civilian desalination plants in arid nations like Kuwait has raised significant humanitarian concerns, as these facilities are vital for producing potable water for the local population. As the US moves to apply maximum pressure through expanded sanctions and ongoing military operations, observers warn that the situation continues to deteriorate rapidly.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 19, 2026 11:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
