TEL AVIV/DUBAI/WASHINGTON – Tensions erupted into the most intense exchange of firepower yet between Israel and Iran, with both nations launching airstrikes early Saturday following Israel’s largest-ever military offensive aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and sending civilians fleeing into shelters. The Israeli military said many of the missiles were intercepted, but damage was reported, including a hit on a high-rise in central Tel Aviv and the destruction of an apartment block in Ramat Gan. One person was killed and over 30 injured.
The US military assisted in intercepting some of the Iranian missiles, according to American officials.
Meanwhile, explosions were reported in Tehran. Iranian media confirmed projectiles hit Mehrabad Airport, which is near sensitive military infrastructure. Iran launched multiple waves of strikes in response to Israel’s Friday attack, which targeted nuclear facilities and military personnel.
Iran claims Israel’s strikes killed 78 people and wounded over 320, most of them civilians. Iran’s UN envoy held the US responsible for supporting Israel’s actions.
Israel said its preemptive strike was based on intelligence showing Iran was just days away from producing enough fissile material for multiple nuclear bombs. The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed destruction at the Natanz site and is assessing damage to other facilities.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei accused Israel of igniting a war, vowing painful retaliation.
Former US President Donald Trump urged Tehran to return to nuclear negotiations to avoid further escalation, referring to the abandoned 2015 nuclear deal.