Tehran (TDI): Iran launched a series of missile strikes against Israel early Saturday, responding to what it called a deadly offensive by Israel on its nuclear and military infrastructure a day earlier, which reportedly killed several senior Iranian generals.
The Iranian response, described by military officials as “Operation True Promise 3,” came just hours after Israel’s air raids left nearly 80 people dead and over 300 injured, according to Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Saeed Iravani.
State media reported that Iran fired additional missiles later in the morning, shortly after Israel’s defense systems detected incoming threats from Iranian territory.
General Ahmad Vahidi, a senior commander in Iran, stated that the retaliatory campaign would continue “as long as it is needed.”
The overnight assault triggered sirens and explosions across Israeli cities, prompting authorities to urge citizens to seek shelter.
Israeli officials confirmed that dozens of missiles were launched, many of which were intercepted, but some managed to strike urban areas.
Eyewitnesses in Tel Aviv reported plumes of smoke rising from high-rise buildings. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for hitting multiple targets inside Israel.
Read More: Iran’s Khamenei Warns Israel of ‘Bitter and Painful Fate’
Emergency crews in Israel scrambled to rescue those trapped under debris. The national fire service reported ongoing operations in damaged buildings, and at least 34 injuries were confirmed in the Gush Dan region. One woman later died from her wounds, Israeli media said.
Meanwhile in Tehran, a blast near Mehrabad Airport caused fires and thick smoke. Iran’s military confirmed its air defenses had been activated, and explosions were heard across the capital.
Read More: Iran Calls Israeli Strikes a Declaration of War
Overnight, Iranians gathered in the streets waving flags and chanting slogans in support of the military’s counterstrikes.
At the United Nations, Secretary-General António Guterres urged both countries to step back from further confrontation. “This escalation must stop. Now is the time for restraint, peace, and diplomacy,” he said in a statement.
