Iranian Missiles Hit Israeli Cities After Retaliatory Strikes Spark Escalation

Loud explosions echoed across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem late Friday night after the Israeli military announced it had detected incoming Iranian ballistic missiles. The warning was followed by the activation of air raid sirens as people rushed to shelters amid growing fears of a major confrontation.

Dramatic footage from Reuters showed thick smoke rising over Tel Aviv where a missile had struck. Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya both confirmed that Iranian missiles had penetrated Israeli airspace, prompting a swift response from Israel’s Iron Dome and allied U.S.-supported defense systems to intercept the assault.

The missile barrage was launched by Iran in retaliation for an earlier Israeli strike, referred to as “Operation Rising Lion.” That operation reportedly targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing several senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, including Hossein Salami, and crippling key enrichment facilities.

Iranian authorities announced “Operation True Promise III,” launching over 150 missiles in two waves. However, Israeli military sources reported that fewer than 100 entered Israeli airspace due to successful interceptions. Some missiles, however, managed to hit populated areas, causing significant damage and panic.

Several buildings in Tel Aviv and its suburbs were hit, resulting in shattered windows, structural damage, and fires. Emergency services rushed to the scene and treated at least 22 injured civilians, including two in critical condition. The scale of damage prompted a heightened state of alert across the country.

Meanwhile, Iran reported heavy casualties from the earlier Israeli attack, with state media citing 78 deaths and over 320 injuries. The growing death toll on both sides has drawn international concern about the potential for a prolonged and devastating conflict in the region.

World leaders have urged both nations to exercise restraint as the United Nations Security Council prepares to hold an emergency session. Oil prices have surged amid fears of regional instability, while Israeli officials have warned that further missile waves could be imminent and urged civilians to remain in shelters.