Iran retaliates against Israel following strikes on its nuclear facilities

Iran Launches Missile Barrage on Israel After Devastating Strikes Target Nuclear, Military Sites

Iran launched a massive missile offensive against Israel early Saturday in retaliation for a wave of Israeli airstrikes that killed top Iranian commanders and targeted key nuclear and military facilities.

Air raid sirens blared and explosions rocked Israeli cities overnight, with the military urging residents to take shelter. Several missiles were intercepted, but others struck buildings in central Israel, including in Tel Aviv, where smoke rose above skyscrapers. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed it had hit dozens of Israeli targets.

Israeli emergency services responded to the aftermath, with reports of at least 34 injured in the Gush Dan region—one woman later succumbed to her wounds. Firefighters were seen rescuing people from a damaged high-rise.

Meanwhile, in Tehran, thick smoke was seen rising from Mehrabad airport following explosions. Iran activated its air defenses, and blasts were heard across the capital. Crowds gathered in the streets waving flags and chanting anti-Israel slogans in celebration of the retaliation.

The Iranian response followed an Israeli strike that reportedly killed 78 and wounded over 300, according to Iran’s UN envoy. Among the dead were senior Revolutionary Guards commanders, including armed forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri and Guards leader Hossein Salami. Iran confirmed the death of its aerospace chief and several nuclear scientists.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his forces had eliminated key military leaders, top nuclear scientists, and struck major enrichment and missile sites. He warned of further action and called on the Iranian people to rise against their rulers.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge and promised to bring Israel "to ruin". He quickly named replacements for the fallen commanders.

The United States, while denying involvement in the Israeli strikes, aided Israel in intercepting missiles. President Trump spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, agreeing that diplomacy and de-escalation were critical. Trump also urged Iran to return to the negotiating table.

The escalation has cast doubt over the upcoming sixth round of US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman. Iran confirmed above-ground sections of its Natanz plant were hit, though the UN nuclear watchdog said radiation levels remained stable. Damage to the Fordo and Isfahan sites was described as limited.

Oil prices surged and global markets dipped amid the rising tensions. Israel maintained that Iran was nearing the "point of no return" in its nuclear ambitions, enriching uranium far above the limits set by the 2015 nuclear agreement.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to cease hostilities, saying, “Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail.”