The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel escalated dramatically on Saturday as Iran launched its fifth and largest missile attack yet, striking multiple locations across central Israel, including Tel Aviv. The intense bombardment resulted in the deaths of at least four Israelis and injuries to more than 63 others, while causing widespread panic and structural damage.
According to Iranian sources, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out the assault under the operation codename “Wa’ad-e-Sadiq 3” (True Promise 3), claiming to have fired over 300 missiles targeting strategic military and defense sites inside Israel. Israeli officials, however, estimate the number at 200 ballistic missiles, a portion of which were intercepted mid-air.
Eyewitnesses in Tel Aviv reported loud explosions and the sound of sirens echoing throughout the city. Several missiles reportedly struck near the Israeli Ministry of Defense headquarters, setting parts of the facility ablaze. In total, nine locations across central Israel were targeted, and five in Tel Aviv sustained direct hits. A 32-story high-rise was engulfed in flames following the attack.
Footage aired on global networks showed large plumes of smoke and fire rising from various sites. Emergency services were dispatched to multiple areas, including Gush Dan and Jerusalem, where further missile landings were reported. Civilians rushed to underground bunkers amid the chaos, while air raid sirens blared continuously.
Iran’s state media claimed the missile barrage was in retaliation for recent Israeli airstrikes that targeted over 100 strategic sites in Iran. The earlier Israeli offensive reportedly resulted in the deaths of 86 Iranians, including senior IRGC commanders, six nuclear scientists, and high-ranking military officials. Among those confirmed dead were IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri.
Additionally, Israeli strikes last week hit sensitive infrastructure in Tabriz and Shiraz, causing significant damage and casualties. Iran has vowed further retaliation, with IRGC sources warning that Israel “will no longer have any safe zones” and that their revenge is “only beginning.”
In a televised statement, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that retaliatory airstrikes had been launched against Iran, specifically targeting nuclear facilities and military infrastructure. Israel’s air defense systems have reportedly intercepted dozens of incoming missiles and drones, minimizing further damage.
The situation remains highly volatile, with analysts warning that the conflict could spiral into a broader regional war. The United Nations has called for restraint from both sides, urging immediate diplomatic engagement to deescalate tensions.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning, stating that Iran must “make a deal quickly, or nothing will be left to save.” His remarks follow growing concern in Washington and European capitals over the risk of an uncontrollable military escalation in the Middle East.
International media outlets, including Reuters, reported that among the Iranian casualties were prominent nuclear scientists such as Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, Fereydoon Abbasi, and Abdulhamid Manouchehr. Close aides to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including security advisor Ali Shamkhani, were also reported to be critically injured.
Both Iran and Israel have exchanged fierce rhetoric, and with continued missile launches and aerial bombardments, hopes for a ceasefire appear bleak. As the world watches, fears mount that this could mark the beginning of a new and far deadlier chapter in Middle Eastern hostilities.
