The conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate, with both countries exchanging missile and airstrikes. Early Saturday, Iran launched several waves of airstrikes on Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, targeting Israel’s major cities, including Jerusalem. The response followed Israel’s Friday strikes that reportedly targeted senior Iranian commanders, nuclear scientists, military bases, and uranium enrichment facilities.
According to Iranian media, Tehran’s attacks were in retaliation to Israel’s actions, which have resulted in significant casualties and injuries. Iran’s representative to the UN Security Council, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that the Israeli strikes on Friday resulted in 78 deaths, including senior officials, and over 320 injuries, predominantly civilians. Iravani accused the US of complicity and alleged Israel’s intent to “kill diplomacy, to sabotage negotiations and to drag the region into wider conflict”.
The Israeli military confirmed that dozens of missiles were fired from Iran, with many intercepted by air defense systems. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues its missile strikes against Israeli civilians.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a message on state TV, said Israel “should not think that it is over because they attacked and it is finished”. He has vowed severe punishment for Israel, saying, “No. They started this and initiated the war. We won’t allow them to escape unscathed from this great crime they have committed”.
The exchange of fire between Iran and Israel has raised serious concerns about regional stability. The UN Envoy has urged de-escalation, while experts believe that both Israel and Iran are “settling in for the long haul” and more attacks can be expected. The conflict has resulted in loud explosions being heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with air raid sirens blaring across Israel’s major cities, sending residents scrambling for shelter as waves of Iranian missiles lit up the sky.