Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated dramatically on Saturday as Iran confirmed the deaths of two senior military officials in Israeli airstrikes, while simultaneously launching a massive barrage of ballistic and hypersonic missiles targeting Israeli cities.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster, General Gholamreza Mehrabi, Deputy Head of Intelligence at the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff, and General Mehdi Rabbani, Deputy Head of Operations, were killed in the latest Israeli bombardments on strategic military installations across Iran.
In response, Iranian forces initiated the fifth phase of their retaliatory operation dubbed “True Promise 3”, firing a new wave of missiles and drones toward multiple Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Read More: Iran’s Fifth Retaliatory Missile Strikes on Israel Kill 4, Injure Over 90
Eyewitnesses reported loud explosions across northern Israel, prompting widespread activation of air raid sirens and emergency lockdowns. Civilians were advised to take shelter as Iranian projectiles pierced the airspace.
Iran’s Mehr News Agency, citing Israeli media, claimed that a 50-storey building in Tel Aviv suffered extensive damage. Reports also indicated that dozens of missiles and drones managed to evade Israel’s Iron Dome defense system and struck key infrastructure targets.
Iranian officials have vowed to continue retaliatory measures, stating that “no part of Israel will be safe” as the operation progresses. The unfolding situation has drawn concern from the international community, with fears of a wider regional conflict if de-escalation does not occur soon.
This marks one of the most intense exchanges between the two nations in years, as both sides show no signs of backing down.