Tensions in the Middle East reached a dangerous new height as Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on Friday, vowing to “inflict heavy blows” in retaliation for Israeli strikes that killed top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, reported by BBC and Al Jazeera News.
Explosions rocked Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, where plumes of black smoke rose above the skyline. Israel’s Iron Dome defense system lit up the night sky, intercepting multiple incoming projectiles. At least five people have been reported injured, and images from Tel Aviv show damaged buildings as the country reels from the assault.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility, stating that “dozens of military targets and airbases” were struck in what Tehran called “Operation True Promise 3.” The offensive follows Israel’s targeted assassinations of Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Salami and several senior figures, including six Iranian nuclear scientists, earlier in the day.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Israel “must expect severe punishment” for what he called a declaration of war. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned, “More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them—or what will hit them.”
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iran to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program, warning of “even more brutal” Israeli retaliation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. is “not involved” in the strikes but cautioned Iran against targeting American bases in the region.
With sirens sounding across Israel and airstrikes continuing, the region appears on the brink of wider war.
