Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles at Israel late Friday in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes earlier that day, which targeted Iranian nuclear sites and killed several senior military officials. Explosions were reported over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as air raid sirens sounded across the country.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that the response would not be restrained. “The Zionist regime [Israel] will not remain unscathed from the consequences of its crime. The Iranian nation must be guaranteed that our response will not be half-measured,” Khamenei said in a statement.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that dozens of Israeli military centers and airbases were targeted following Khamenei’s orders. Iranian state media claimed the operation involved hundreds of missiles in three waves. While Israeli military officials reported fewer than 100 missiles, they stated most were intercepted or failed to reach their targets.
Despite these defenses, multiple residential buildings in central Tel Aviv were hit, including an apartment block in Ramat Gan. Fires broke out, and windows were shattered in neighboring structures. At least 40 people were injured, including two who were critically trapped, according to Israeli emergency services cited by Haaretz.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, told the UN Security Council that 78 people were killed and more than 320 injured in the initial Israeli strike, which hit the Natanz nuclear facility, Isfahan, and Fordo.
In his message to the nation, newly appointed IRGC commander Major General Mohammad Pakpour stated: “The gates of hell will open to the child-killing regime.” He was appointed after the deaths of top military officials, including IRGC chief Hossein Salami and armed forces chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the country’s offensive, stating it aimed to neutralize the threat from Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. “As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom,” he said, addressing Iranian citizens. “The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed limited but concerning damage at the Natanz and Fordo facilities, including possible radiological contamination. The enrichment plant at Natanz was reportedly destroyed.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military supported Israel in intercepting incoming Iranian missiles, and former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran to return to the negotiating table. “They can still work out a deal, however, it’s not too late,” Trump told Reuters.
The conflict has sharply increased regional tensions, with Iran’s airspace closed temporarily and air defenses activated in Tehran. Fears of a broader escalation have also impacted oil markets, pushing prices higher despite no reported damage to energy infrastructure.
As tensions rise, both sides appear poised for continued confrontation, while international calls for de-escalation intensify.