Iran has launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles toward Israel in what officials describe as a major retaliatory operation, triggering sirens, explosions and widespread air defense activity across the region.
The Israeli military confirmed that missiles were fired from Iran, with heavy explosions reported in northern Israel, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as defense systems worked to intercept incoming threats.
Al Jazeera reported that missile debris fell onto a nine-storey building in northern Israel. One person was injured by missile fragments and part of the building was severely damaged.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it detected the launch of missiles toward the State of Israel, confirming that Iran had fired ballistic missiles in retaliation.
According to Israeli military sources, the first wave included approximately 30 missiles. The IDF later reported that Iran launched additional missile barrages, with another wave fired toward Israel.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that, in response to what it described as joint US-Israel attacks on Iran, “the first wave of widespread missile and drone attacks” against Israel had begun.
The IRGC described the operation as large-scale and confirmed that missile and drone strikes were underway toward what it called the “occupied territories.”
Strong warnings
Iran's state TV said the missile operation against Israel was called “Fateh Khyber".
A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera that there would be “no red lines” in Iran’s response to Israeli and US strikes.
“We say clearly to Israel to prepare for what is coming. Our response will be public, and there will be no red lines. Everything is on the table, including scenarios that were not previously under consideration,” the official said.
Iranian officials told Reuters earlier that Tehran was preparing to take revenge and deliver a strong response.
Sirens, explosions across Israel
Sirens were constantly sounding in northern Israel and Haifa city, according to The New York Times. Heavy explosions were reported in northern Israel, Arab media said.
A loud explosion was heard in occupied Jerusalem, The New York Times reported, while AFP reported explosions in Jerusalem. Smoke was seen rising near Tel Aviv following one of the latest missile barrages.
Sirens also sounded in Tel Aviv during a speech by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to Arab media. Israeli authorities have prohibited citizens from filming or making videos of Iranian missile attacks, Arab media reported.
Israeli defense systems activated
The IDF said Israel has activated its defense systems to intercept Iranian missiles. The Israeli Air Force is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the danger.
Arab media reported that Israel’s defense systems were busy intercepting Iranian missiles. The IDF also said it was attempting to shoot down incoming threats, including missiles directed toward Israeli territory.
In its full statement, the IDF said: “A short while ago, sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel.
“The public is requested to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.
“At this time, the Israeli Air Force is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat.
“The defense is not hermetic, and therefore it is essential that the public continue to adhere to the Home Front Command’s guidelines.
“The public is requested to continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.”
Despite the intensity of the attacks, The New York Times reported that there have been no reports of casualties or property damage at this time.
Air defenses activated in Tehran
Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran’s air defenses had been activated and were engaging “hostile” targets in the city center and other areas.
A news agency also reported that defense systems were activated in Tehran as well, indicating heightened alertness on both sides.
The Qatari Ministry of Interior said the situation in Qatar remains peaceful and secure. However, the British Embassy in Doha instructed its citizens to move to shelters, according to a news agency.
In Lebanon, the Prime Minister urged Hezbollah to refrain from dragging the country into a wider war.
Iranian govt calls for calm
Iran’s Interior Ministry urged citizens to remain calm amid the escalating confrontation.
“The criminal enemy has once again attacked our land,” the ministry said, calling on governors of all provinces to ensure the implementation of instructions issued by authorities.
The ministry also directed that all available resources be used to facilitate support for the public during the crisis.
