Iran Launches Retaliatory Missile Strikes on Israel Amid Heightened Tensions
Explosions reported in major Israeli cities following unprecedented Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military targets.
Iran executed a series of retaliatory airstrikes against Israel on Friday night, prompting explosions reported in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the two largest cities in Israel.
The strikes came in response to significant Israeli military actions that targeted Iranian nuclear sites, including the Natanz underground facility, and resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials.
Air raid sirens were activated across Israel, and citizens were advised to seek shelter as missiles lit up the skies over Tel Aviv.
Israeli military sources indicated that Iran launched multiple salvos of missiles, with reports noting that some of these projectiles were intercepted by the U.S. military.
Local emergency services in the Tel Aviv region reported that five individuals were treated for shrapnel-related injuries.
Footage from the area depicted a missile impacting an urban locale, resulting in a critically injured woman being admitted to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, according to hospital representatives.
The Iranian state news agency reported that hundreds of ballistic missiles were fired towards Israel, although Israeli military assert that fewer than 100 missiles were launched, with many either intercepted or falling short of their targets.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Israel of instigating this conflict, warning that retaliation would be severe.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, stating that the military operations would persist until the perceived threats from Iran were neutralized.
He framed this response within the context of ongoing concerns regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions, reiterating that Israel seeks to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons—a charge that Tehran has consistently denied, emphasizing that its nuclear program is intended solely for civilian use.
Following the extensive military actions, Iranian media depicted scenes of destruction, claiming that approximately 80 civilians were killed and over 300 injured in the Israeli strikes, which reportedly targeted residential areas and Iranian military personnel.
An Israeli military spokesperson refuted claims from Iranian media alleging that an Israeli fighter jet had been shot down.
In the broader context of international diplomacy, US President Donald Trump stated that it was not too late for Iran to negotiate a halt to hostilities and to revisit discussions related to its nuclear program.
Trump previously engaged in negotiations with Tehran, aiming to establish a new agreement after the US's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, although Iran rejected the last offer presented.
Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi remarked on the limitations of military action alone, suggesting it may serve to create a conducive environment for a future comprehensive agreement led by the United States to address Iran's nuclear capabilities.
The strikes came in response to significant Israeli military actions that targeted Iranian nuclear sites, including the Natanz underground facility, and resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials.
Air raid sirens were activated across Israel, and citizens were advised to seek shelter as missiles lit up the skies over Tel Aviv.
Israeli military sources indicated that Iran launched multiple salvos of missiles, with reports noting that some of these projectiles were intercepted by the U.S. military.
Local emergency services in the Tel Aviv region reported that five individuals were treated for shrapnel-related injuries.
Footage from the area depicted a missile impacting an urban locale, resulting in a critically injured woman being admitted to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, according to hospital representatives.
The Iranian state news agency reported that hundreds of ballistic missiles were fired towards Israel, although Israeli military assert that fewer than 100 missiles were launched, with many either intercepted or falling short of their targets.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Israel of instigating this conflict, warning that retaliation would be severe.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, stating that the military operations would persist until the perceived threats from Iran were neutralized.
He framed this response within the context of ongoing concerns regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions, reiterating that Israel seeks to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons—a charge that Tehran has consistently denied, emphasizing that its nuclear program is intended solely for civilian use.
Following the extensive military actions, Iranian media depicted scenes of destruction, claiming that approximately 80 civilians were killed and over 300 injured in the Israeli strikes, which reportedly targeted residential areas and Iranian military personnel.
An Israeli military spokesperson refuted claims from Iranian media alleging that an Israeli fighter jet had been shot down.
In the broader context of international diplomacy, US President Donald Trump stated that it was not too late for Iran to negotiate a halt to hostilities and to revisit discussions related to its nuclear program.
Trump previously engaged in negotiations with Tehran, aiming to establish a new agreement after the US's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, although Iran rejected the last offer presented.
Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi remarked on the limitations of military action alone, suggesting it may serve to create a conducive environment for a future comprehensive agreement led by the United States to address Iran's nuclear capabilities.
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