Over 60 Killed in Israeli Airstrike on Tehran as Iran, Israel Exchange Heavy Fire
In the deadliest escalation yet between Iran and Israel, at least 60 people — including 29 children — were killed in Tehran after an Israeli missile struck a residential tower early Sunday. Iran responded with a barrage of over 200 missiles and drones, targeting Israeli cities and military sites, as both nations teeter on the brink of a wider regional war.
Tensions surged overnight in West Asia after Israel launched a high-intensity wave of airstrikes under Operation Rising Lion, targeting over 150 Iranian sites, including critical infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and leadership compounds. One of the most devastating strikes hit a high-rise residential building in Tehran, killing 60 civilians, Iranian authorities confirmed.
Israel said its actions were in response to ongoing missile launches from Tehran and vowed to dismantle Iran’s military capabilities. Among the targets hit were the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites, which Israeli officials claimed were being used to advance Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Nine nuclear scientists and several senior commanders were reported killed.
In retaliation, Tehran launched more than 200 ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli cities. While most were intercepted by Israeli and US air defense systems, at least three people were killed in the Galilee region and dozens injured. Iranian projectiles were heard exploding in Tel Aviv and other populated areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the air offensive was only the beginning, declaring, “What they have felt so far is nothing compared to what they will be handed in the coming days.” Defense Minister Israel Katz warned, “If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi condemned the strikes as “barbaric,” and confirmed the country was withdrawing from scheduled nuclear talks with the United States. “Dialogue is meaningless under these conditions. Washington’s silence signals complicity,” the ministry said in a statement.
Meanwhile, international reactions poured in. At the SCO Summit, India urged restraint and called for dialogue, distancing itself from a China-led condemnation of Israel. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan blamed Israel for dragging the region into chaos, accusing Netanyahu of “sabotaging diplomacy” and “covering up genocide in Gaza.”
Iran is also reportedly considering shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil artery. Iranian lawmaker and general Esmail Kosari said military options are on the table, warning that any foreign base helping intercept Iranian missiles could become a target.
Croatia’s consul in Israel and his wife were injured during a strike on Tel Aviv, drawing condemnation from the Croatian foreign ministry, which urged de-escalation and respect for civilian and diplomatic safety.
As the death toll rises and visuals of devastation circulate online, fears of a full-blown regional conflict are growing. With both nations promising further retaliation and diplomatic channels closing rapidly, the next phase of this conflict may prove even deadlier.
