Tel Aviv/TEHRAN – Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes over the weekend, marking one of the most dangerous confrontations in their long-standing rivalry.
Iran launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles and drones at Israel in four waves, causing at least three civilian deaths and injuring dozens more. Explosions rocked cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as sirens forced residents into shelters. The Israeli military claimed to have intercepted many of the incoming projectiles with the support of U.S. air defense systems.
The Iranian response came after Israel’s extensive air offensive on Friday, which targeted key nuclear and military infrastructure. According to Israeli sources, over 150 sites were hit, including 40 in Tehran. Among the most significant targets were the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, where satellite images now reveal widespread destruction. A senior Israeli official said it would take Iran “much more than a few weeks” to repair the damage.
Israel said its strikes eliminated top Iranian military commanders and nine nuclear scientists critical to Iran’s atomic program. Iran reported at least 78 fatalities from the first wave alone, including civilians and children, after a 14-story residential building in Tehran was destroyed. Another 60 deaths were feared from a second wave of attacks.
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a blunt warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei:
“If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.”
Katz accused the Iranian leadership of endangering its own citizens, stating:
“The Iranian dictator is taking the citizens of Iran hostage, bringing about a reality in which they, and especially Teheran’s residents, will pay a heavy price for the flagrant harm inflicted upon Israel’s citizens.”
The Israeli strikes were reportedly in development for months and initially scheduled for April. According to Israeli military assessments, the Natanz and Isfahan sites were being used for military enrichment activities—claims Tehran has repeatedly denied, maintaining its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.
In retaliation, Iran launched its own barrage, hitting targets in central Israel and causing significant property damage. Video from Rishon LeZion showed rescue teams pulling a baby from rubble. In Tehran, witnesses described a night of fear, with buildings collapsing and smoke filling the air.
Iran also hinted at escalating further, with top officials threatening to shut the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The price of crude surged by 7% on Friday amid fears of wider conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump supported Israel’s actions, stating on Truth Social:
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left.”
Indirect nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran were scheduled in Oman on Sunday, but the status of the meeting remains uncertain. Iran’s Foreign Ministry criticized the attacks, calling the talks “unjustifiable” under current conditions.
With both countries refusing to de-escalate and the threat of broader regional involvement looming, the crisis has entered a volatile new phase. Israeli military officials have indicated more strikes could follow, while Iranian defenses remain on high alert across several cities.