In a sharp escalation of hostilities, Iran has launched a fresh wave of missile strikes on Israel over the past six hours, targeting the cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa. According to Israeli emergency services, at least five civilians were killed and dozens more wounded as multiple ballistic and cruise missiles struck residential and commercial districts.
The Iranian government claims the latest strikes are a direct response to what it calls "aggressive and unlawful Israeli military actions," including the bombing of Iranian oil infrastructure and civilian areas earlier this week. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the attacks as part of its "right to defend sovereignty and deter future aggression."
This latest round of retaliatory strikes comes as the death toll from Israeli air raids on Iran has risen to 224, according to Iranian state media. Among the dead are reportedly several women and children, as Israeli missiles struck oil depots, military installations, and populated zones in Tehran and Isfahan.
The ongoing confrontation between the two regional powers—sparked by a series of covert operations and border skirmishes—has escalated into one of the most intense periods of direct conflict in recent Middle Eastern history. Both nations have now traded multiple rounds of missile fire, raising alarms among the international community and fears of a broader regional war.
Air raid sirens continue to sound across major Israeli cities as defense systems like Iron Dome and David's Sling intercept incoming projectiles. However, the intensity and volume of the latest barrage have led to structural damage and disruption in metropolitan areas, with public transportation halted and residents ordered to shelter in place.
Global leaders, including those from the United Nations and European Union, have called for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation. Emergency meetings of the UN Security Council are reportedly underway.
As both sides harden their stances, military analysts warn that the path to de-escalation may be narrowing, with the risk of wider involvement from regional allies and a growing toll on civilians.
Source: Al Jazeera
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
