Iran and Israel Exchange Heavy Missile Fire in Escalating Conflict Over Nuclear Tensions

Tehran/Tel Aviv : In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran and Israel exchanged missile and airstrikes early Saturday, just hours after Israel carried out its largest aerial assault yet against Iranian military and nuclear targets.

Israel’s pre-dawn strike aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions, prompting a swift and massive retaliation. Air raid sirens blared across Israel’s major cities, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, sending residents scrambling for shelter as waves of Iranian missiles lit up the sky. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that dozens of missiles were fired from Iran, with many intercepted by air defense systems. “Over the past hour, dozens of missiles have been fired from Iran at the State of Israel, some of which were intercepted,” the military stated.

Emergency response teams were deployed across the country to assess damage where projectiles had landed, but the IDF did not immediately confirm casualties.

In Iran, loud explosions were reported in the capital, Tehran. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said multiple blasts were heard, while Fars News reported that two projectiles hit Mehrabad Airport. The airport, which also houses an air force base, caught fire, according to local media.

Israeli media reported a suspected missile landing in Tel Aviv, and a loud explosion was also heard in Jerusalem by a Reuters witness, though it was unclear whether the impact was caused by an Iranian missile or Israel’s interception efforts.

According to Iranian media, Tehran launched several waves of airstrikes on Saturday, targeting Tel Aviv and surrounding areas. The response followed Israel’s Friday strikes that reportedly targeted senior Iranian commanders, nuclear scientists, military bases, and uranium enrichment facilities. Iran continues to deny that its nuclear program is intended for weapons development.

In central Tel Aviv, a high-rise building sustained heavy damage, with its lower floors hit. In nearby Ramat Gan, an apartment block was destroyed in the strike.

Tensions remain high as both nations brace for further escalation in what may become a prolonged regional conflict.