Iran has launched what state media is calling a “crushing” retaliatory assault on Israel, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles in response to Israeli airstrikes that killed top military commanders and nuclear scientists earlier this week.
According to Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA, the large-scale offensive began just minutes ago and marks what Tehran describes as a decisive response to what it terms a “brutal attack” by Israel on its sovereign territory. “The decisive response to the Zionist Regime’s brutal attack began with the firing of hundreds of ballistic missiles at the occupied territories,” IRNA reported.
Explosions have been reported in Tel Aviv and other major cities, with air raid sirens sounding nationwide as Israeli air defense systems attempt to intercept incoming projectiles. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed widespread impacts and say emergency response units are being deployed in several locations.
Response to Israel’s Attack
The Iranian retaliation comes after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a coordinated series of airstrikes across Iranian territory, targeting military facilities, nuclear sites, and high-ranking officials. The strikes resulted in the deaths of IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami and six prominent nuclear scientists, among others.
In a televised address shortly after the missiles were launched, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Israel of committing a “crime” and warned of “severe punishment.” “This act of aggression will not go unanswered. The Zionist regime must expect our wrath,” he declared.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the military operation “for as long as necessary,” asserting that Iran poses an existential threat. “We will not stop until the threat is neutralized,” Netanyahu stated.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, while praising Israel’s earlier strikes, signaled that diplomacy is still possible. “It’s not too late for Tehran to halt this campaign,” he said during a press briefing, adding that Iran can still choose “peace through negotiation” regarding its nuclear program.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stern warning to Tehran, saying the United States was “not involved” in either round of strikes and cautioning Iran against expanding the conflict. “Any attack on U.S. forces in the region will be met with overwhelming force,” Rubio said.
Tensions in the Middle East have now reached a critical point, with fears growing that the confrontation between Iran and Israel could spiral into a broader regional war. The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting within hours, as global powers urge both sides to step back from the brink.
