At least 40 buildings were damaged in Iranian missile strikes on Tel Aviv, forcing more than 200 residents to evacuate and seek shelter in three hotels, Israeli daily Haaretz reported, citing the city municipality.
The strikes followed Tehran’s vow of sweeping retaliation after the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli attack on his Tehran office.
Iranian missiles and drones were launched toward Israel as well as US military installations in Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, escalating the Iran–Israel conflict and intensifying Middle East tensions. The Israeli military said dozens of missiles were fired, many intercepted by air defense systems.
Israel’s national emergency service Magen David Adom confirmed that a woman died from injuries sustained in a missile strike in the Tel Aviv area late Saturday.
US President Donald Trump issued stern warnings against further escalation, writing on social media that Iran had threatened to “hit very hard,” adding that any such move would be met with unprecedented force.
Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei’s death, describing it as the result of an Israeli-American airstrike. State television said the 86-year-old leader was killed at his office while “standing at the forefront of his responsibilities.”
Tehran’s Cabinet called the attack a “great crime” that “will never go unanswered,” while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned of its “most intense offensive operation” yet, targeting Israeli and American bases. Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Iran would deliver “devastating blows” in response.
Air traffic across parts of the Middle East was disrupted as air defense systems were activated. Explosions were reportedly heard over Dubai into Sunday morning. In the UAE, state media reported that debris from missile interceptions caused fires at a major port and damaged parts of the iconic Burj Al Arab.
The developments mark a dramatic escalation in US involvement in the region and raise fears of a broader regional war. The killing of Khamenei — the second major US-led strike on Iran during Trump’s current term, has created uncertainty over the future leadership of the Islamic Republic.
Iran has formed a temporary governing council until a new supreme leader is selected. State media also reported that senior security adviser Ali Shamkhani and IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour were killed in the airstrikes.
In Tehran, some residents were seen celebrating following the announcement, while black flags were raised at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. The government declared 40 days of national mourning and a seven-day public holiday.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
