Iran Launches Missile Barrage on Israel: Explosions Rock Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

Explosions echoed through Tel Aviv and Jerusalem just minutes after the Israeli military warned of incoming Iranian missiles. The alert came late Friday night, sparking panic across the cities as sirens wailed and residents scrambled to take shelter. By 1:30 a.m. local time, the sound of missile impacts confirmed the threat was real.

Reuters captured dramatic footage of smoke billowing over Tel Aviv following a projectile’s impact. Other media, including Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, reported similar scenes as Iran launched dozens of missiles into Israeli airspace. Israel’s Iron Dome and allied U.S. defenses intercepted many of the warheads, but several slipped through and struck urban areas.

The Iranian attack, dubbed “Operation True Promise III,” was in retaliation for Israel’s earlier strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites during “Operation Rising Lion.” Tehran claims those airstrikes killed multiple Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, including Hossein Salami, and damaged sensitive enrichment facilities.

Israel's defense systems were partially successful in stopping the onslaught, but not entirely. Several missiles hit buildings in Tel Aviv and nearby suburbs, shattering glass, causing fires, and injuring residents. Emergency teams were deployed across the region to assist those hurt in the blasts or trapped in damaged structures.

Iran said it had launched more than 150 ballistic missiles in two coordinated waves. According to Israeli military sources, fewer than 100 missiles reached Israeli airspace, with the rest intercepted or failing in transit. The scale of the assault raised concerns about further escalation between the two archrivals.

Casualty reports are still developing. Iranian state media claims 78 people were killed and over 320 injured from Israel’s earlier strikes. In Israel, at least 22 people were reported injured from the missile attacks, with two in critical condition. Hospitals in central Israel remain on high alert.

The international response has been urgent and concerned. Oil prices surged on fears of broader conflict, while global leaders urged restraint. The United Nations Security Council is set to convene in response to Tehran’s request. Meanwhile, Israeli officials are warning that more missile waves may follow, urging citizens to stay in protected areas.