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By Amanda Castro and Jesus Mesa
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Iranian missiles struck Tel Aviv on Friday evening, causing property damage but no reported injuries, according to Israeli police.
"At this stage, no injuries have been reported, but property damage has occurred," a police spokesperson said, adding that bomb disposal experts were working to secure the impact sites.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that another wave of missiles had been launched toward Israel late Friday night. "The attack is ongoing. Dozens of additional missiles were launched toward the State of Israel," an IDF spokesperson said.
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The missile strikes caused multiple injuries in other parts of the country. According to the Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom, five individuals were treated for injuries in the Dan region—one in moderate condition and four lightly injured by shrapnel.
Iranian state media described the missile barrage as the beginning of Tehran's "crushing response" to Israeli strikes that occurred earlier on Friday.
"Moments ago, with the launch of hundreds of various ballistic missiles toward the occupied territories, the operation of decisive response to the savage attack of the Zionist regime has begun," IRNA, Iran's state news agency, reported.
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Why It Matters
Iran's state media confirmed the missile strikes as retaliation for what Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called Israel's "great crime." In a televised speech, Khamenei said, "Don't think that they [Israel] hit and it's over. No. They started the work and started the war. We will not allow them to escape safely."
Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear sites and military leaders killed 78 people and wounded more than 320, with most casualties being civilians, Iran's ambassador told the U.N. Security Council. In response, Iran fired a wave of long-range missiles at Tel Aviv, injuring at least 34 people, according to Israel's paramedic service.
The Israeli operation, called "Rising Lion," targeted the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities and killed top Iranian officials, including General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's military chief of staff, and General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Reuters.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were needed to eliminate what he described as an existential threat.
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What To Know
Videos from Tel Aviv showed rockets breaching Israel's Iron Dome defense system, with explosions heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Iran's military said the missile barrage was only the beginning. "The operation of decisive response to the savage attack of the Zionist regime has begun," IRNA said.
Israeli Brigader General Effie Defrin confirmed that Iran had launched over 100 drones and dozens of missiles.
"Despite our attack, Iran has capability to hurt Israel's civilian front in a meaningful way," he said during a press briefing that was abruptly cut short as sirens blared warning of an incoming attack.
Iranian media reported damage at the Natanz enrichment facility and additional explosions near the Fordo nuclear site. Authorities also confirmed the deaths of several nuclear scientists.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed "a severe, wise and strong answer," while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council that Iran reserved the right to self-defense under international law, calling Israel's actions "clear instances of state terrorism."
What People Are Saying
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a national address: "Our operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat."
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the military was prepared to counterattack: "Don't think that they (Israel) hit and it's over. No. They started the work and started the war. We will not allow them to escape safely from this great crime they committed."
President Donald Trump, in an interview with ABC News on Friday regarding the Israeli offensive, said: "I think it's been excellent. We gave them a chance, and they didn't take it. They got hit hard—very hard. They got hit about as hard as you're going to get hit. And there's more to come—a lot more."
What Happens Next?
The Israeli military said it was calling up reservists from different units as "part of preparations for defense and offense" as its attack on Iran continues.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to come.
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