Iran Fires Massive Missile Barrage at Israel in Retaliation
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran has launched a large-scale missile assault on Israel, firing over 150 ballistic missiles and deploying more than 100 drones, marking the start of Operation True Promise III. This comes just hours after Israel’s massive offensive, Operation Rising Lion, struck key Iranian nuclear facilities and killed high-ranking Iranian military officials.
Iran Strikes Back Following Israeli Offensive
Israel’s pre-dawn air raids had targeted strategic installations in Natanz, Fordow, and other locations believed to house nuclear infrastructure and IRGC leadership. In response, Iran vowed “unrelenting retaliation,” and followed through within hours. Missiles rained down on major Israeli cities, with air raid sirens blaring across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Beersheba, and Haifa.
According to early estimates, most of the projectiles were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, aided by U.S.-supplied missile interceptors. However, a few missiles broke through the defense layers, striking populated areas and military installations.
Casualties and On-Ground Impact
Reports confirm at least one Israeli death, with dozens more injured. In Tel Aviv, a missile struck a residential tower, injuring civilians and causing widespread panic. Schools, public transport, and air traffic were immediately suspended.
In Jerusalem, fragments from an intercepted missile caused minor fires in a residential neighborhood. Emergency services are on high alert as further missile waves are feared.
Regional Fallout and Global Response
The conflict has triggered global alarms. The UN Secretary-General called for “maximum restraint” and warned of the consequences of a full-scale regional war. U.S. and European military assets in the region have been put on heightened alert, with defensive postures adjusted to shield American bases in the Gulf.
The oil markets responded swiftly with crude prices surging over $8 per barrel amid fears of disruption to shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Western diplomats have begun shuttle talks to prevent a broader conflagration, but so far, both sides appear uncompromising.
War of Words and Will
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei stated that Israel’s actions were a “red line,” and warned of “harsh and enduring retaliation.” In turn, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes on Iran were “just the beginning,” reaffirming Israel’s stance to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
With both nations entrenched in their positions, and the initial salvoes now exchanged, the world watches anxiously as the Middle East faces the real possibility of an uncontrollable spiral into war.
