Iran Launches Missile Strikes on Israel Following Attacks on Nuclear Sites

Escalation of Conflict Between Iran and Israel

On Saturday, Iran responded with missile strikes against Israel, a day after Israeli forces targeted what they claimed were Iranian nuclear facilities and other strategic locations to hinder Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

This retaliation coincided with a renewed wave of Israeli airstrikes in Iran, which included an assault on a nuclear facility located in Isfahan.

As Iranian missiles hit their targets, air raid sirens blared throughout Israel. Reports indicated that explosions were audible in Jerusalem, with a high-rise building in central Tel Aviv sustaining damage, and an apartment complex being destroyed in Ramat Gan, according to various news sources.

At least three individuals lost their lives, and around 80 others were injured as a result of these attacks, as reported by local media.

In the midst of Israel's ongoing strikes, explosions were also reported in Tehran, including one at Mehrabad airport, as per state-affiliated news outlets.

The exact number of casualties in Iran remains unclear at this time.

During a televised address amid the conflict, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted that the military was ready to retaliate.

"Do not assume that Israel's actions will go unanswered. They have initiated this conflict, and we will ensure they face consequences for their actions," Khamenei stated.

On Friday, Khamenei had promised a response to the Israeli strikes.

The Israeli Defense Forces had previously targeted locations in Tehran, Kermanshah, and Tabriz, including Iran's primary nuclear enrichment site in Natanz.

According to reports from the Islamic Republic News Agency, the Israeli strikes on Friday resulted in at least 78 fatalities and 320 injuries, as stated by Iran's UN envoy, Sa’eed Iravani.

Among those killed were Iranian military leaders, including Mohammad Bagheri and Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Israel has claimed that Iran is nearing the capability to develop a nuclear weapon, asserting that it has a duty to protect its citizens. Conversely, Iran insists that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.