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Israel and Iran engaged in a dangerous escalation of military strikes Sunday, with Iran launching daytime ballistic missile attacks on Israeli territory while explosions rocked the Iranian capital of Tehran.
Air raid sirens sounded across Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as Iran fired missiles at Israel during daylight hours, marking the first time the Islamic Republic has conducted such attacks in daylight.
Israel confirmed missiles were heading toward the country and said defensive systems were operating to intercept the threats.
"A short while ago, we identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel," the Israeli military said. "Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice."
The exchange of fire has intensified over the past 24 hours. Israel reported 13 people killed in the past day, including three children, from waves of Iranian missile strikes that began overnight. Iran has not provided casualty figures from Israeli strikes but said most of its losses are civilians, mainly women and children.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that his country's response would be "more decisive and severe" if Israel continues its attacks, according to the IRNA news agency. He said Iran's military has responded "strongly and appropriately" to Israeli actions.
The conflict reached Tehran itself on Sunday, with two explosions heard in the city center. Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that two missile-like projectiles hit locations in the capital.
Air defenses were activated in the Iranian capital as the strikes continued.
Israel's military said it maintains a large list of targets in Iran and has attacked more than 170 sites. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran will pay a "very heavy price" for its actions.
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