Iran launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel on Friday morning. This move came in response to Operation Rising Lion, during which Israel hit several Iranian nuclear and military sites. These strikes also killed some of Iran’s top military leaders.
Israel Warns of More to Come
In reaction, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong warning. He said, “More is on the way,” and explained that destroying Iran’s nuclear program is just the beginning. Later, Iranian and Israeli media reported fresh missile attacks over Jerusalem.
Tehran Shaken by Explosions
Meanwhile, in northern Tehran, locals reported hearing frequent explosions. According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, these blasts occurred shortly after Iran’s missile launch. Earlier that day, an Israeli military spokesperson revealed that Iran had fired nearly 100 drones. Although many were intercepted or missed their targets, a few still managed to hit parts of Israel.
Tel Aviv Comes Under Attack
Later that evening, at around 9 p.m., air raid sirens began blaring in Tel Aviv. Phones buzzed with emergency alerts. About 30 minutes later, the sky echoed with the sounds of mid-air explosions. Israel’s Arrow missile defense system intercepted many of Iran’s missiles.
However, not all missiles were stopped. One Iranian missile struck a residential high-rise in the center of Tel Aviv. It broke windows and damaged much of the building. The impact left steel bars exposed and twisted. Firefighters quickly reached the area and began rescue operations.
According to The Times of Israel, at least two people were critically injured. Emergency services responded to five separate impact sites, and by 10 p.m., reports said at least 15 people were wounded in the Tel Aviv area.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Issues Threat
Earlier that day, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke on national television. He warned, “The armed forces of the Islamic Republic will inflict heavy blows upon this malevolent enemy.” He said that the results of Israel’s actions “will bring it to ruin.”
At the same time, Iran appointed a new commander, Mohammad Pakpour, to lead the Revolutionary Guards. His predecessor died in Israel’s attack. Pakpour promised harsh retaliation and threatened to open “the gates of hell.”
Israel Condemns Iran’s Response
Soon after Iran's missiles hit Israel, Defence Minister Israel Katz blamed Iran for attacking civilians. He said Tehran had crossed “red lines.” However, reports also confirmed that Israel’s earlier strikes had hit residential neighborhoods in Iran.
Katz declared, “We will continue to defend the citizens of Israel and ensure that the Ayatollah regime pays a very heavy price for its heinous actions.”
Iran Reports Civilian Losses
Meanwhile, Iran’s envoy to the UN, Amir Saeid, told the UN Security Council that Israeli strikes had killed 78 people, including several top officials. He added that over 320 others were injured, most of them civilians.
Netanyahu: Iran Has Never Been Weaker
Later that night, Netanyahu released a second video message. He claimed, “In the past 24 hours, we have taken out top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, the Islamic regime’s most significant enrichment facility and a large portion of its ballistic missile arsenal.” He added, “More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.”
Tensions Rising Rapidly
Now, both countries continue preparing for further attacks. As a result, fear of a full-scale war in West Asia is growing fast.