Iran Launches Major Missile and Drone Offensive Against Israel in Retaliation for Airstrikes

Tehran, June 15 : In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a large-scale coordinated assault on Israel late Saturday night, deploying a significant number of drones and missiles. According to Iran’s state-affiliated media outlet Sepah News, the offensive was carried out by the IRGC’s aerospace division in retaliation for what it described as Israel’s “repeated aggressions.”

The attack marks a major development in the ongoing conflict between the two nations and has led to casualties and widespread fear in the affected areas.

Civilian Casualties in Israel

In Israel, the offensive resulted in the death of one woman and injuries to at least 13 others after a rocket struck a residential building in a northern community. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, reported that several individuals suffered light to moderate injuries, while four others were treated for anxiety-related symptoms.

Earlier on Saturday, MDA had confirmed that three people had been killed and over 200 injured since the Iranian offensive began. These figures are expected to rise as emergency services continue to assess the situation.

Israel Responds with Air Defenses and Advisories

Following the latest round of attacks, Israel’s Home Front Command advised residents in regions outside Haifa and northern Israel that they could temporarily leave bomb shelters but urged them to remain close to secure areas in case of further strikes.

The Israeli military reported that its air defense systems were actively intercepting a majority of the incoming projectiles. Simultaneously, Israeli air force jets launched retaliatory strikes on key military installations in Tehran.

Explosions Rock Tehran

Iran’s Ministry of Petroleum confirmed that two oil depots in Tehran were hit during the attacks. Residents of the capital reported hearing two powerful explosions, with blast impacts felt in both the western and northern districts of the city.

Despite the scale of the attack, Iranian authorities stated that the situation was “under control.” Meanwhile, Jordan responded to the developments by temporarily closing its airspace on Saturday evening as a precautionary measure amid the ongoing conflict.

Civil Aviation Disruptions

Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission confirmed that the temporary closure of its airspace was enacted to protect civilian flights and ensure public safety during the escalating military confrontation between Iran and Israel.

Background to the Offensive

The Iranian missile barrage comes in direct response to Israeli airstrikes conducted early Friday, which reportedly targeted multiple sites in Tehran and surrounding areas. According to Iranian officials, those Israeli strikes killed several senior Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and numerous civilians. These losses, particularly among Iran’s elite military personnel, were cited as the catalyst for Iran’s forceful retaliation.

A Worsening Regional Crisis

The current cycle of strikes and counterstrikes between Iran and Israel signals a dangerous intensification of hostilities that threatens to destabilize not only the two countries but the broader Middle East region. With the involvement of advanced military systems, strategic assets, and densely populated urban areas, the conflict is drawing international concern about potential further escalation.

Diplomatic observers warn that unless de-escalation efforts are swiftly initiated, the situation could spiral into a wider regional war, drawing in neighboring countries and endangering regional security and civil aviation.

As both sides brace for the possibility of further attacks, civilians on the ground remain at risk, and the humanitarian toll continues to grow.