Israel-Iran War: Iran Launches Over 100 Missiles on Tel Aviv, 40 Injured, Top Iranian Commanders Killed in Israeli Strike – 10 Developments

Tehran: A full-scale regional conflict looms large as Israel launched a powerful first strike dubbed ‘Operation Rising Lion’, targeting multiple Iranian cities and key nuclear installations on Friday. The military offensive, which struck Tehran, Tabriz, and Shiraz, claimed the lives of top Iranian military figures, including Army Chief Mohammad Bagheri and IRGC head Hossein Salami, according to initial Iranian reports.

In a televised statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: “We are after a very successful opening strike. With God’s help, we are going to have many more achievements.”

The strike marked a dramatic escalation in tensions that had been simmering for months. In swift retaliation, Iran launched over 100 missiles and drones targeting central and northern Israel, with Tel Aviv and Jerusalem facing heavy bombardment in the early hours of Saturday.

Key Developments in the Israel-Iran Escalation:

1. Massive Iranian Retaliation:
   More than 100 missiles were launched by Iran, targeting Israeli cities overnight, in what Tehran called a “just response” to Israel’s unprovoked aggression.
2. Casualties and Injuries:
   Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA) reported at least 41 injuries, with many wounded by shrapnel inside buildings after interception debris fell to the ground.
3. Nationwide Emergency in Israel:
   Air raid sirens wailed across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, sending millions into bomb shelters and safe rooms in the dead of night.
4. Israel’s Air Defences Respond:
   IDF Spokesman Effie Defrin confirmed that most incoming missiles were intercepted, though some did breach the defence net, causing injuries and minor infrastructure damage.
5. US Military Support:
   Two senior US officials confirmed American forces in the region engaged in intercepting Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, utilizing ground-based air-defence systems.
6. Iran’s Supreme Leader Vows Revenge: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a series of strongly worded social media posts, warned: “The Zionist regime has made a big mistake… Our Armed Forces are ready… The blood of our martyrs will not go unavenged.”
7. High Death Toll in Iran:
8. Iran’s UN Ambassador stated that 78 were killed and over 320 injured in Israel’s initial strike, intensifying global concern over the humanitarian toll.
9. US Involvement Deepens:
10. Pentagon sources confirmed continued involvement of US missile defence units, signalling deeper Western support for Israel amid rising regional instability.
11. Unconfirmed Reports of Downed Jets:
12. Iranian media claimed their air defence downed two Israeli F-35 jets and captured an Israeli female pilot, but no official confirmation has been provided by Israel or its allies.
13. India Briefed by Israel:
14. In a significant diplomatic move, PM Netanyahu called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sharing updates on the unfolding situation and seeking international understanding of Israel’s actions.