ALBAWABA - Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and armed drones toward Israeli targets in a significant escalation, declaring the start of a "crushing response" to Israel's recent assaults.
Continued strikes were verified by the Israeli military, and explosions were heard close to important Tel Aviv infrastructure, including the vicinity of the Ministry of Defense.
The reaction reportedly started early Friday with the firing of ballistic missiles toward Israeli military and strategic targets, according to Iranian official media. The Israeli Home Front Command triggered emergency procedures, sounding sirens across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other locations. A fire near the Defense Ministry was reported by Channel 13, and live video showed smoke billowing over Tel Aviv.
According to Israel's military spokesman, the Israeli Air Force is engaged in a continuous operation against Iranian missile and nuclear installations. Additionally, the spokesperson said that Israel had destroyed several of Iran's ballistic missiles before they were launched.
Iranian authorities claimed to have struck an Israeli fighter plane and verified that an Israeli drone had been shot down above Qom. Ahmad Vahidi, the new commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, promised further action and that Israel will soon be confronted with "the gates of hell."
According to Iran's Fars News Agency, previous Israeli assaults in the Tehran area alone resulted in at least 78 fatalities and 329 injuries. Other cities, including Tabriz, reported more fatalities. There have been reports of explosions close to the nuclear station in Natanz as well as important air defense and radar installations in the provinces of Khorasan and Hamedan.
Israel closed Ben Gurion Airport and put its air defenses on high alert. Across the country, reserve troops were deployed and hospitals were placed on emergency status. The Israeli army said that in previous attacks on Iran, more than 100 key targets were targeted by more than 200 fighter planes and 300 bombs.
Long before the strike, Israel's Mossad had set up a drone base inside Iran, according to CNN and ABC News, which allowed for coordinated attacks on command centers and missile positions. According to Israeli sources, the operation, which aims to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, has been planned for years.
According to reports, U.S. intelligence provided operational assistance and was aware of Israel's assault beforehand. President Donald Trump stressed that the United States will defend Israel if needed and declared his unwavering support for Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Analysts caution that as both countries trade strikes, the conflict may move into a more hazardous and prolonged phase. Iran is preparing for protracted retribution, as seen by its symbolic actions, such as flying the red flag of reprisal, and its quick reassignments within its military command. As concerns about regional instability increase, the international community is keeping a careful eye on events.
