Explosions rocked Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Friday night as Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear and military sites, including Natanz and Isfahan. Sirens sounded across Israel, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Iran’s state media confirmed major hits to its underground nuclear facilities and the deaths of top military commanders, including Major Generals Mohammad Bagheri and Hossein Salami. Iran’s newly appointed Revolutionary Guards commander vowed severe retaliation, calling Israel’s actions “child-killing.”
Israel’s military called the assault “Operation Rising Lion” and announced it will continue until Iran’s nuclear threat is neutralised. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu linked the campaign to a historic stand against existential threats, referencing the Holocaust.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran to return to nuclear talks, saying a deal could still be reached. Trump acknowledged prior knowledge of Israel’s plans and expressed regret that diplomacy had failed thus far.
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Iran claimed nearly 80 civilians were killed, with over 300 injured, as missiles struck residential areas. The country has requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting, calling Israel’s actions unlawful.
The price of oil spiked amid fears of wider conflict in the region. Although the Strait of Hormuz remains open, the potential for economic fallout is significant.
Israeli sources said Mossad operatives had sabotaged Iranian air defences ahead of the strike, targeting missile infrastructure and launching an attack-drone campaign from a newly established base near Tehran.
As tensions mount, the world watches to see if diplomacy or further escalation will follow.