Iran Strikes Tel Aviv With Missiles in Major Escalation After Israeli Offensive on Tehran

In a dramatic escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities early Saturday, with several strikes hitting Tel Aviv and explosions reported in Jerusalem. The retaliation, dubbed “Operation True Promise,” comes just a day after Israel carried out its largest-ever offensive on Iranian territory targeting nuclear sites and top military commanders.

The Israeli offensive, named “Operation Rising Sun,” reportedly killed 78 people in Tehran, most of them civilians, and injured more than 320, according to Iranian sources. In response, Iran launched hundreds of rockets at Israel, resulting in at least one fatality and injuries to 34 individuals in Tel Aviv, Israeli health officials confirmed.

The Israel Defense Forces said they were actively intercepting the missile barrage as air raid sirens blared across Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and Jerusalem. Residents reported widespread panic and shelter lockdowns. Videos circulating on social media captured night skies lit up by Israeli Iron Dome interceptors and explosions in residential areas.

Iran’s state television claimed that its forces had downed an Israeli fighter jet, alleging the pilot had been captured—a claim dismissed by Israeli military spokespersons as “fabricated propaganda.” The United States is reportedly assisting Israel in intercepting incoming threats, according to Axios, quoting a senior U.S. official.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the offensive as a necessary step to neutralize an existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “We will not repeat the mistakes of the past,” he said, invoking the Holocaust and promising continued action “until every threat is eliminated.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded with a warning of a “bitter fate” for Israel, accusing it of shedding innocent blood and calling for international condemnation. Tehran also formally requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council, citing its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Russia and China backed the request.

The airstrikes come amid rising global anxiety over a potential regional war. Israel’s early Friday strikes targeted multiple Iranian facilities, including the Natanz nuclear enrichment site and missile production centers. Among the casualties was IRGC commander General Hossein Salami, confirmed dead by Iranian state media.

In a diplomatic outreach, Netanyahu spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump, and other world leaders. Modi emphasized India’s call for de-escalation and regional stability, reiterating India’s concern over rising hostilities.

President Trump, while denying direct U.S. involvement, warned Iran against further aggression and said “hardliners are dead now, and it will only get worse.” He claimed Iranian representatives had reached out indirectly to resume stalled nuclear negotiations.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a brief statement expressing “deep concern” and urging both nations to avoid any further escalatory steps. New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation, the statement added.

As diplomatic pressure mounts and civilian casualties rise, the possibility of a wider regional conflict looms, with global powers urging restraint and calling for renewed dialogue.