Iran’s Ballistic Missiles Pierce Israel’s Iron Dome, Strike Tel Aviv, Leaving Multiple Casualties Reported
Iran unleashed a barrage of ballistic missiles on Tel Aviv Friday morning, retaliating against Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing top commanders. The assault marked a dramatic escalation in the conflict between the two West Asian powers, with both sides signaling further aggression.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel’s campaign to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities was “just the beginning,” warning of more strikes to come. Iranian and Israeli media later reported missile attacks over Jerusalem, while northern Tehran residents heard frequent explosions, according to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA.
An Israeli military spokesperson said Iran launched up to 100 drones in waves earlier that evening, with many intercepted or missing targets. However, some drones and missiles evaded Israel’s multilayered defense systems, including the Iron Dome.
Tel Aviv Reels from Assault
At approximately 9 p.m. local time, sirens blared across Tel Aviv, and residents received urgent phone alerts. By 9:30 p.m., mid-air explosions signaled the Arrow missile defense system intercepting Iranian projectiles, with debris raining down. One missile struck a high-rise residential building in central Tel Aviv, shattering windows and leaving parts of the structure in ruins, with twisted steel exposed. Firefighters combed through the wreckage.
The Times of Israel reported at least two people critically injured, with emergency services responding to five impact sites. By 10 p.m., 15 people were reported wounded in the Tel Aviv area.
The Iranian attack followed a televised address by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who vowed that Iran’s armed forces would deliver “heavy blows” to Israel, warning that Israel’s actions would lead to its “ruin.” Iran’s newly appointed Revolutionary Guards chief, Mohammad Pakpour, who replaced a commander killed in Israel’s earlier strikes, threatened to unleash “the gates of hell,” raising fears of a prolonged regional war.
Israel Condemns Iran’s Strikes
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned Iran for targeting civilian areas, calling it a violation of “red lines.” Notably, some of Israel’s earlier strikes also hit residential zones in Iranian cities. Katz pledged to protect Israeli citizens and ensure Iran faces “a heavy price” for its actions.
Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid, told the Security Council that Israel’s attacks killed 78 people, including senior officials, and injured over 320, mostly civilians.
In a video statement Friday night, Netanyahu claimed Israel had neutralized key Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, a major enrichment facility, and much of Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile. “The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker,” he said, hinting at further operations.
As tensions soar between the two nations, more attacks are expected, deepening fears of a wider conflict in West Asia.