Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on Friday, retaliating for a massive Israeli air campaign that struck nuclear facilities and killed several senior military officials in the Islamic Republic.
Air raid sirens blared across Israeli cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, as explosions rocked the skyline and smoke rose above high-rise buildings. Israel’s military confirmed it had detected incoming missiles launched from Iran, while Iranian state media claimed dozens of targets were hit.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard said the strikes were a direct response to Israel’s unprecedented aerial assault earlier in the day that reportedly killed top commanders, including Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami.
In a televised address, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed vengeance, declaring that the armed forces would deliver “heavy blows” to Israel and pledging to bring the country “to ruin.” Iran’s foreign ministry dismissed international calls for restraint, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemning the Israeli aggression.
Israel had earlier said it struck around 200 sites, including nuclear facilities and underground military command centers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had targeted the heart of Iran’s nuclear program, including the uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, and warned that operations would continue “as many days as it takes.”
The Israeli military stated that intelligence indicated Iran was nearing a “point of no return” in its nuclear ambitions. Iranian sources confirmed that several aerospace commanders of the Revolutionary Guards were killed in an underground command post.
As missile impacts shook Tel Aviv, emergency services reported that civilians were trapped in a damaged high-rise. In Tehran, a residential building appeared to have suffered a direct hit, with images showing a gaping hole and widespread damage.
Iranian state media reported continued attacks across several regions, with at least 18 deaths in the northwest and six nuclear scientists among those killed. Tehran shut down Imam Khomeini International Airport, while Iraq, Jordan, and Syria closed their airspace due to escalating tensions.
The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting at Iran’s request, with support from Russia and China. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that radiation levels at Natanz remained unchanged, noting most damage was “surface-level.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier claimed a nuclear deal with Iran was “fairly close,” warned Tehran to negotiate or face “more brutal” attacks. The U.S. emphasized it was not involved in the Israeli strikes but warned Iran not to target American interests. Iran, however, held Washington “responsible for consequences.”
As fears of a wider regional conflict mount, oil prices surged and global markets reacted with uncertainty. Israel declared a state of emergency, while residents on both sides of the conflict expressed anxiety and anger.
“I’m worried for my children… you can’t work, you can’t do anything,” said Vered Saar, a Tel Aviv resident.
In Tehran, retiree Ahmad Moadi echoed widespread frustration: “How much longer are we going to live in fear? There must be an overwhelming response.”
International analysts warned that the latest escalation may derail ongoing nuclear talks, with a sixth round scheduled in Oman this weekend now in doubt.
