Tel Aviv and central Israel were struck by multiple Iranian missile attacks early Saturday morning, in a significant escalation of tensions following Israel’s wide-ranging assault on Iranian nuclear facilities and military leadership. At least two people have been reported killed and dozens injured across central Israel, with reports of significant damage to structures.
The retaliatory strikes by Iran came hours after Israel initiated “Operation Rising Lion” on Friday, a major offensive targeting dozens of Iranian nuclear sites, military installations, and reportedly killing senior Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief, Hossein Salami.
Warning sirens blared across Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as barrages of Iranian ballistic missiles were launched. While Israel’s advanced Iron Dome defense system intercepted a significant number of incoming projectiles, several reportedly breached the defenses, causing direct hits and widespread debris.
Videos and images from Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan showed fires in buildings and extensive damage, with emergency services responding to multiple calls. An Iranian missile reportedly struck near homes in central Israel, and the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, considered Israel’s equivalent of the Pentagon, was also reportedly hit.
Iran had swiftly threatened “severe punishment” and “crushing and precise response” following Israel’s initial attacks. Iranian state media indicated that multiple waves of missiles targeted “dozens of targets, military centers and airbases” in Israel.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate de-escalation, stating, “Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail.”
The exchange of strikes has dramatically heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. Oil prices surged by over nine percent amid concerns of prolonged instability in the Middle East, and commercial airlines experienced major disruptions with airspace closures across the region. The international community has largely condemned the escalation, urging both sides to exercise restraint.
Israel has vowed to continue its operations to “roll back the Iranian threat to [Israel’s] very survival,” while Iran’s leadership has affirmed its resolve for further retaliation if Israeli attacks persist. The situation remains highly volatile, with both nations on high alert.
