Newsletters
Iran fired at least 40 missiles at Israeli targets Sunday morning in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a dramatic escalation in Middle East tensions as casualties mounted on both sides.
The barrage, dubbed "True Promise 3" by Iranian forces, struck at least 10 locations across Israel, including the heavily populated areas of Haifa and Tel Aviv, according to Israeli media reports.
Iran said the operation targeted Ben Gurion Airport, biological research centers, and Israeli command facilities.
Israeli emergency services reported at least 23 casualties, mostly minor injuries, with one person in moderate condition.
The strikes caused heavy structural damage in Haifa and destroyed numerous buildings along Israel's coastal region, according to Israeli public broadcaster KAN.
For the first time, Iran deployed its third-generation Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile system, which has a range of 1,450 kilometers (900.9 miles) and travels at speeds of 5,000 kilometers per hour, Iranian state television reported. The missiles featured multiple warheads designed for more precise and devastating strikes.
The Iranian assault came hours after President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had completed "very successful" airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites.
American media reports indicated Trump had already approved military action against Iran following Israel's assassination of several high-ranking Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists last week.
The Pentagon had reportedly moved B-2 bombers from Missouri toward the Persian Gulf ahead of the U.S. strikes, signaling the planned escalation.
Israel responded immediately with its own strikes on Iranian military targets in western Iran, hitting missile launchers and Iranian personnel allegedly preparing additional attacks, according to Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee.
Air raid sirens wailed across northern and central Israel during Sunday's attack, including in Haifa, which had not experienced alerts during previous Iranian strikes. Israeli Channel 12 described "an unusual event" in Haifa, accompanied by multiple explosions.
The current hostilities began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran's retaliatory campaign.
Israeli authorities report at least 25 deaths and hundreds of injuries from Iranian missile attacks since fighting began.
Iranian casualties have been far higher, with the country's Health Ministry reporting 430 killed and more than 3,500 wounded in Israeli strikes.
Iran called for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting to condemn what it termed U.S. aggression and demanded accountability for violations of international law.
The escalation represents the most serious direct military confrontation between Iran, Israel, and the United States in the region, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.
2 min read
6 min read
