Tehran(TheCOWNews Digital)Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically on Sunday night as Iran launched a series of deadly missile and drone attacks on Israel’s key cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, marking the fourth such assault in recent days. Iranian state media confirmed that ballistic missiles targeted Haifa’s Ramat David Airbase and a major power plant, resulting in a massive fire and the temporary shutdown of Haifa’s oil refinery. Three refinery workers were reported killed.
In response, Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on Tehran, with explosions heard across the Iranian capital. The Israeli government also confirmed airstrikes targeting intelligence sites of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claiming the deaths of IRGC Intelligence Chief General Mohammad Kazemi and his deputy Hassan Mohaqqeq. Iranian media later confirmed their martyrdom.
The IRGC’s spokesperson General Ali Mohammad declared that the missile attack, part of “Operation Sadeq’s Promise III,” was the ninth wave of ongoing operations and would continue through the night. He warned Israel of more devastation, vowing that the enemy would “not have a moment of peace.”
Earlier, Iran’s Supreme Security Council issued a chilling warning, stating, “Tonight will look like daylight for Israel,” indicating intense night-time aerial operations.
As the barrage hit, air raid sirens blared across Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, causing widespread panic. Thick plumes of smoke engulfed Tel Aviv following a series of explosions, while reports emerged of a high-rise building being reduced to rubble. Israeli authorities placed the affected areas under emergency protocols.
Iran reportedly launched over 30 missiles in the latest wave, hitting multiple targets across Israeli territory. A separate strike allegedly targeted the Haifa port, with Iranian military sources releasing footage to substantiate the claim.
Israel retaliated with force, striking Tehran and other major Iranian cities, including Mashhad. The strikes caused widespread infrastructure damage, including the rupture of a major water pipeline in Tehran, resulting in localized flooding and traffic chaos.
A devastating car bomb attack in Tehran also claimed the lives of five nuclear scientists, bringing the total number of scientists killed in recent days to 14. Additionally, Iran claimed that it had captured two Mossad agents in Tehran allegedly involved in assassinations and sabotage operations.
Iran’s Ministry of Health reported that at least 224 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the conflict flared up, with 90% of the casualties being civilians. Meanwhile, Haifa’s refinery and nearby industrial facilities remain shut as damage assessments continue.
With both sides showing no signs of de-escalation, fears of a full-scale regional war are growing rapidly. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged Tel Aviv residents to evacuate immediately, signaling preparation for further military escalation.
The international community has called for restraint, but the conflict appears to be entering its most volatile and destructive phase yet.
