Iran and Israel Trade Blows in Major Escalation of Conflict
This round of hostilities marks a dramatic escalation in the long-simmering conflict that turned into direct confrontation last year.
Widespread destruction reported in Tel Aviv following Iranian missile strikes on Friday. Photo/The Star.
By Robert Assad
Tel Aviv and Tehran were rocked by explosions late Friday and early Saturday as Iran and Israel exchanged large-scale missile and drone strikes, marking the most serious escalation between the two regional rivals in recent years.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed it had launched ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Friday that targeted key Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure.
Israeli officials claimed that several of the incoming projectiles were intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system.
The Israeli Health Ministry reported that at least 40 people were injured in the Iranian strikes, with two in critical condition. On the other side, Iran’s UN envoy stated that 78 people, including high-ranking military personnel, were killed in the Israeli bombardment, and more than 320 others—mostly civilians—were injured.
The Israeli attacks reportedly hit Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility and a major nuclear site in Isfahan. Reports also suggest that top Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists were assassinated during the strikes.
This round of hostilities marks a dramatic escalation in the long-simmering conflict that turned into direct confrontation last year.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a long-time proponent of aggressive action against Iran, defended the attacks, claiming Iran poses a threat not only to Israel but to global security. He also called on the Iranian public to rise and seek freedom from their current regime.
In response, Iran launched multiple drone and missile salvos throughout Saturday. While early volleys were intercepted, later attacks lit up the skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with plumes of smoke and chaos forcing civilians into shelters.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both nations to halt the violence, warning that peace and diplomacy must prevail. U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, urging Iran to resume negotiations on its nuclear program and warning of “even more brutal” Israeli retaliation.
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