In a dramatic escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Iran has confirmed it launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel, targeting what it described as “dozens of military centres and airbases” across the country.
The assault, dubbed “Operation True Promise 3” by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marks one of the most direct and large-scale military confrontations between the two regional powers in recent years.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the country came under multiple rocket barrages, with missile interceptions and impacts lighting up the skies over central Israel, including Jerusalem and the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.
The BBC reports that residents were ordered to take cover in shelters as air raid sirens blared and explosions rocked major cities.
According to Israel’s national ambulance service, Magen David Adom, at least five people have been injured in the Tel Aviv area, with one in moderate condition and four others lightly wounded by shrapnel. Emergency teams have been dispatched to seven reported impact zones in the Dan Bloc region.
The IRGC has yet to release the full scope of the damage or details of the operation but vowed more information will follow in subsequent briefings.
Iranian state media also claimed two Israeli fighter jets were shot down over Iranian airspace, although this claim remains unverified.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, earlier issued a chilling warning, declaring that Iran would “inflict heavy blows” in response to what it described as Israeli aggression and an act of war.
The Israeli military has acknowledged the ongoing attacks, saying its air defence systems are actively engaging the incoming missiles.
A statement from the IDF read, “The shooting continues. Another barrage of dozens of rockets was launched toward Israel.”
Reuters images captured bright flashes and booms across Jerusalem, with residents describing scenes reminiscent of full-scale warfare.
The situation remains highly volatile and fast-evolving, with regional and global actors closely monitoring the developments.
As tensions escalate, fears are mounting over a broader conflict engulfing the region, with calls already surfacing for international diplomatic intervention.
