In a dramatic escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Iran has launched a large-scale missile assault on Israel, declaring it a direct response to a series of Israeli airstrikes that earlier targeted its nuclear facilities and eliminated high-ranking military officials. The confrontation marks a significant shift in the long-simmering shadow war between the two regional powers, pushing them perilously close to open conflict.
Late on Friday evening, Iran&rsquo;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), under direct orders from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, initiated a retaliatory operation that saw nearly 100 ballistic and cruise missiles fired towards central and northern Israel. Explosions were reported over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, triggering widespread panic and pushing millions into bomb shelters as air defence sirens wailed across the country.
Iranian media, quoting IRGC statements, claimed the strikes targeted Israeli military installations, airbases, and command centres. Tel Aviv confirmed it had faced at least three waves of coordinated missile barrages, but maintained that the bulk of incoming projectiles were intercepted mid-air by the country's multi-layered air defence systems, including Iron Dome and David&rsquo;s Sling.
Despite the effectiveness of the intercepts, Israeli authorities reported 41 casualties, including two critically injured and several others suffering from shrapnel wounds or shock. Medical teams and emergency responders were mobilised on a war footing, with damage assessments still underway.
In a nationally televised address, Iran&rsquo;s Supreme Leader described the missile salvo as a &ldquo;crushing response&rdquo; to what Tehran labelled an unprovoked act of aggression&mdash;Israel&rsquo;s airstrikes earlier that same day, reportedly targeting Iranian nuclear research sites and facilities housing advanced missile systems near Isfahan, as well as key IRGC command posts. Ayatollah Khamenei warned that Iran would no longer tolerate &ldquo;hit-and-run&rdquo; operations by Israel and vowed continued retaliation unless deterrence was re-established.
In the early hours preceding Iran&rsquo;s response, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that they had struck Iranian Air Force assets, including the destruction of Tabriz Airbase in western Iran. Satellite imagery and defence analysts have since suggested that several Iranian launch facilities and drone hangars may have also been targeted, signalling an intensification of long-range Israeli operations.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant convened an emergency war cabinet session, stating that Tehran had &ldquo;crossed red lines&rdquo; by targeting civilian areas. &ldquo;We will not allow the Islamic Republic to think it can attack the Israeli heartland with impunity,&rdquo; Gallant declared. &ldquo;We will dictate the terms of response and restore our deterrence&mdash;whatever the cost.&rdquo;
The IDF also rejected Iranian claims that one of its fighter jets had been downed and its pilot captured during the operation, calling it "psychological warfare aimed at internal propaganda."
As of Saturday morning, Israeli jets have reportedly resumed sorties across Syria and into western Iran, with fresh strikes aimed at Iran&rsquo;s air defence infrastructure and suspected command bunkers. Military analysts warn the current trajectory risks dragging the wider region into direct conflict, especially if Hezbollah or Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria are activated.
With diplomatic channels between the two states virtually non-existent, international observers now fear that containment is slipping. Both Washington and European capitals have urged restraint, but with Tehran and Tel Aviv exchanging direct blows, the conflict may be entering a dangerous new phase&mdash;one defined by overt warfare rather than covert sabotage.
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Tehran launches over 100 missiles at Israel in response to nuclear site, military strikes

Iran Strikes Back: Missile Rain Hits Israeli Cities

Tehran launches over 100 missiles at Israel in response to nuclear site, military strikes

June 14, 2025 | 08:11 IST