Missiles over capitals: Iran and Israel trade heavy strikes

Associated Press

What began as a shadow war has erupted into open conflict. Iran’s missile barrage on Israeli cities and Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Tehran mark a dangerous new phase, with rising casualties, nuclear sites hit, and diplomacy on the brink of collapse.

Iran and Israel have exchanged intense missile attacks, resulting in direct hits on central Israel and reported strikes on key Iranian military sites, including Tehran and Tabriz. As regional and global leaders call for restraint, explosions, fires, and mounting casualties mark a rapidly escalating crisis.

Explosions were heard over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as new missiles hit
Explosions were heard over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, as air raid sirens sounded across both cities. The Israeli military has instructed the public to enter protected spaces and remain there until further notice due to the ongoing threat from incoming Iranian missiles.


Israeli military reports new wave of missiles launched from Iran
The Israeli military has announced a fresh wave of missile launches from Iran toward Israel. Air raid sirens have been activated in several areas across the country, and defence systems are currently operating to intercept the incoming missiles.

Several buildings ‘completely destroyed’ in the third wave of Iran’s missile attacks on Israel
Iran launched a third wave of missile strikes early Saturday, targeting Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, according to Israeli media. Hebrew outlets including Channel 12 reported that four areas in Tel Aviv were struck, with one Iranian missile completely destroying a building. Haaretz reported that nine buildings were "completely destroyed" in Ramat Gan, prompting mass evacuations. Israel’s fire authority said it is working to extinguish a blaze in central Tel Aviv caused by a missile impact. The Israeli army confirmed dozens of missiles were fired from Iran, some intercepted, with alerts and sirens triggered across the country, including in East Jerusalem. Air defence systems were activated immediately, and rescue forces are currently operating in multiple affected areas.


China urges Israel to stop military actions, condemns violations of Iran’s sovereignty
China’s U.N. envoy Fu Cong has called on Israel to immediately halt all "risky military actions." He condemned Israel’s actions as violations of Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, urging de-escalation and respect for international law.


UN chief urges Israel and Iran to stop firings
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate end to the exchange of fire between Israel and Iran. In a post on X, he wrote, "Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail," urging both sides to halt Israel’s bombardment of Iran and Iranian missile strikes targeting Tel Aviv.


‘A disgrace’: Canada’s PM backs Israel’s right to defend itself
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement addressing the Middle East escalation, saying Iran’s nuclear programme and missile attacks pose a threat to regional peace. He affirmed Israel’s right to self-defence and called for restraint and diplomacy.


Fires were seen at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport
Following reports of explosions in Tehran, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency has released footage reportedly showing fires raging at Mehrabad International Airport. Thick smoke can be seen billowing into the air from the site. The cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed.


EU’s von der Leyen calls for restraint
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reiterated Israel’s right to self-defence and the protection of its citizens during a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. In a post on X, she also emphasised the need to maintain "regional stability" and urged all parties "to act with maximum restraint and work to de-escalate the situation."


New explosions heard in Tehran
Iran’s state-run Tasnim News Agency reports that "several explosions" were heard in Tehran a short while ago. The source did not provide further details, and the cause of the explosions remains unclear.


Israeli media report direct hits in central Israel
Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing emergency services, reports that Iranian missiles in the latest round of retaliatory attacks have struck multiple buildings in central Israel. Channel 12 reported loud explosions in several residential areas and confirmed that one Iranian missile landed directly in Tel Aviv.


Israeli military says more missiles launched from Iran
The Israeli military has confirmed that additional missiles have been launched from Iran. In a statement shared on social media, the army said defence systems are actively working to intercept the threat. Israelis have been urged to enter protected areas and remain there until further notice.


Israel targets the residences of Khamenei and Pezeshkian’
According to The New York Times, citing local residents, Iranian air-defence batteries have been firing continuously for several hours around the residence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, located just outside Tehran. The same district is also home to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The report suggests these locations may have been among Israel’s latest targets in its ongoing strikes on Iran.


Israel claims destruction of dozens of Iranian air defence systems and the Tabriz airbase
In its latest update, the Israeli military claims it has destroyed dozens of Iranian air defence targets, including radar installations and missile batteries. It also stated that Iran’s Tabriz airbase was destroyed during today’s attacks. The military said it has a duty to protect its citizens and "will continue to do so wherever required."


More sirens sound across Israel
The Israeli military reported new alerts in the Eilat area of southern Israel due to the "infiltration of hostile aircraft." In a separate update, sirens also sounded in the Negev region following a reported "drone intrusion." The alerts signal continued threats from the air amid ongoing hostilities.


Qatar's Emir calls for de-escalation in talks with Trump
Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the recent regional escalation following Israel’s attack on Iran, according to a statement from the Amiri Diwan. The emir emphasised the importance of de-escalation and pursuing diplomatic solutions. President Trump reportedly expressed Washington’s readiness to support efforts aimed at resolving the crisis and preserving regional security and stability.


Air defences activated in Tehran to intercept new Israeli attacks
Iran’s state news agency IRNA reports that air defence systems in Tehran have been activated to intercept fresh Israeli strikes. This comes a day after Israel launched multiple attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear programme and military command structures.


U.S. threatens Iran with ‘dire consequences’ if American troops target
At a UN Security Council meeting, U.S. representative McCoy Pitt defended Israel’s attacks on Iran, stating that Israel informed Washington that the strikes were "necessary for its self-defence." He emphasised, "Every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself, and Israel is no exception." Pitt clarified that the United States was notified in advance but did not take part militarily in the strikes. He added that the top priority is protecting American citizens and military personnel in the region. Addressing Iran directly, he warned, "The consequences for Iran would be dire" if U.S. troops are targeted.


U.S. military helped intercept Iranian missiles heading to Israel
According to two U.S. officials speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the U.S. military assisted in shooting down Iranian missiles that were en route to Israel. The officials did not specify whether the interceptions were carried out by fighter jets, warships, or other systems and provided no further details.


Iranian missile attacks injure at least 21 in Israel
According to Israel’s national ambulance service, at least 21 people have been injured in Iranian missile attacks. Two of the injured were in serious condition and had been trapped inside a building in the greater Tel Aviv area.


Netanyahu says ‘more is on the way’
In a video address directed at the Iranian people, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the aim of the strikes on Iran—labelled Operation Rising Lion—was to "thwart the Islamic regime’s nuclear and ballistic missile threat." He claimed that within the past 24 hours, Israeli forces have eliminated top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, a key enrichment facility, and much of Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal. "More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them," he posted on X.


More than a dozen people were injured in Tel Aviv
According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing emergency services, at least 15 people have been wounded in central Israel. Among them, one person is reported to be in moderate condition.


Footage emerges from the site of impact in Tel Aviv
Live footage shows that a modern apartment block in central Tel Aviv has been struck, with fires still burning inside several units and smoke rising from the building. A nearby residential building has also suffered significant damage, with shattered windows and twisted metal visible on its exterior. Emergency services are on the scene, and surrounding streets have been cordoned off. The public has been instructed to remain in shelters.


IRGC says Iranian response targeted Israeli military bases
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that Iranian forces "carried out its crushing and precise response against dozens of targets, military centres and airbases" in Israel. The operation was conducted under the direct command of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.


Israel under attack
Israel is currently under attack amid ongoing missile strikes launched from Iran. Multiple reports confirm active aerial bombardments targeting various regions, with air raid sirens sounding across the country and air defence systems engaged.



Israel says Iran ‘crossed a red line’ with missile strikes on civilians
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has said Iran "crossed a red line" by launching missile strikes on civilian areas. "We will continue to defend Israeli citizens and will ensure that the ayatollahs’ regime pays a very high price for its monstrous actions," Katz stated. His remarks follow Iran’s ongoing offensive, which, according to Iranian sources, involved hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting Israeli territory. 🇮🇱 The Home Front Command has also announced that civilians are now allowed to leave bomb shelters, though it is still advised to stay near protected areas.


Iran vows decisive response to Israel’s ‘hit and run’ attacks
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that Israel initiated a war and warned that it will not be allowed to carry out "hit and run" attacks without facing serious consequences. "The Zionist regime [Israel] will not remain unscathed from the consequences of its crime. The Iranian nation must be guaranteed that our response will not be half-measured," he said in a statement.


Israel says more missiles were fired from Iran
The Israeli military reports that Iran is continuing its missile attacks. "Another volley of dozens of missiles was launched towards the State of Israel," it said in a statement. The military added that the explosions being heard are from interceptions or crashes, and that the air defence system is actively identifying and intercepting threats.


Iran launches second wave of attacks, claims two Israeli jets downed
Iran’s state news agency IRNA reports that a second wave of Iranian attacks has been launched towards Israel as part of the ongoing retaliation. In a separate update, IRNA claims that two Israeli jets were downed inside Iranian airspace.


Iran begins ‘crushing’ retaliation, says official agency
Iran’s official news agency IRNA reports that the country has launched what it calls a "crushing" response to Israeli attacks. "A few minutes ago, the decisive response to the Zionist Regime’s brutal attack began with the firing of hundreds of ballistic missiles at the occupied territories," the statement said.


Sirens blare across Israel
Several Israeli media outlets report that sirens are sounding across the country amid an incoming Iranian missile attack.


Explosions continue across Tehran and other cities
Explosions are still ringing out around Tehran. People can be heard shouting "Allahu akbar" (God is great) across the streets. Israeli strikes have continued for the past several hours. This remains a developing situation, with the sounds of explosions being reported not only in the capital, Tehran, but also in various cities across the country.


Missiles launched from Iran were detected
Israel announced that it had detected missiles launched from Iran. The military instructed all citizens to remain in protected areas and not to exit until further notice. "Exiting the protected area will be permitted only after receiving explicit instructions," the military said in a statement.


Israel states it has struck over 200 targets in Iran.
Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin said that Israel has struck over 200 targets in Iran. He also stated that Israel is capable of defending itself from any Iranian retaliation without assistance from its allies. A live briefing by the Israeli military was interrupted and cut short due to an incoming Iranian attack on central Israel.

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