Tensions between Israel and Iran reached a dangerous new level on Sunday, as both countries launched direct missile and airstrikes on each others territoryan unprecedented escalation that left scores dead and heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.
Iranian missile attacks on the Israeli cities of Bat Yam and Tel Aviv reportedly killed seven people and injured nearly 240 others, according to Israeli media. Sixty-one buildings were damaged, and approximately 20 people remain unaccounted for under the rubble.
In a swift and far-reaching response, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on several Iranian military and nuclear-related sites, including a nuclear facility in Isfahan and the airport in Mashhad. Israels military described the Mashhad strikesome 2,300 kilometers from Israeli territoryas its farthest operation to date in the conflict.
A military spokesperson said Israel had targeted two dual-use fuel facilities believed to support Irans nuclear and military activities. The spokesperson added that Israel has a long list of undisclosed targets and is working to establish aerial dominance over Iran using drones and precision-guided weapons.
Citing unnamed intelligence sources, Reuters reported that at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed since Friday, some in targeted car bombingssignaling a significant escalation in Israels campaign against Irans scientific infrastructure.
In retaliation, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a multi-phase counterattack dubbed True Promise 3, involving a record number of ballistic missiles and drones. A military official quoted by Fars News Agency claimed the assault penetrated seven layers of Israels air defense systems, and that Israel had begun redeploying advanced systems like the SAMP/T from Ukraine to reinforce its air shield.
Iranian state media reported that Israeli strikes on cities including Shiraz and Isfahan killed at least 128 peopleamong them 40 women and numerous childrenand injured nearly 900.
Despite the attacks, Irans Atomic Energy Organization vowed to continue its peaceful nuclear program. The enemies desperate attacks will not stop the will of the nation, it said in a statement.
In Tehran, a drone strike lightly damaged the citys police headquarters and injured several people. Separately, Iranian intelligence forces announced the arrest of two alleged members of a Mossad-linked terrorist cell in Alborz Province, reportedly involved in manufacturing explosives.
The Israeli army issued evacuation warnings to civilians near Iranian military and nuclear facilities, advising them to leave immediately and not return until further notice.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Irans retaliation targeted Israeli military sites and reiterated that Tehran does not seek a wider war. However, he warned that Iran would continue to respond to aggression and accused Israel of violating international norms by targeting nuclear infrastructure. In a briefing to foreign ambassadors, he criticized the UN Security Council for what he called dangerous silence on Israels actions.
In Washington, former President Donald Trump told ABC News that the US may consider intervening militarily to help Israel eliminate Irans nuclear program. CNN reported that US and Israeli officials anticipate the conflict may extend for weeks rather than days, and that the White House has privately signaled its approval of Israels operations. A senior US official said diplomacy remains an option, depending on Irans next moves.
Back in Iran, authorities urged citizens to take shelter in mosques, schools, and metro stations, while also attempting to reassure the public that supplies of food, fuel, and medicine remain stable.
