AdSense Advertisement

Iran Launches Missile Barrage on Israel After Israeli Strikes; 8 Killed, Over 200 Injured

By The South Asia Times

Tel Aviv - In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Iran launched a massive missile barrage on Israel early Sunday, killing at least eight people and injuring more than 200 others, according to Israeli emergency services. The retaliatory strikes came less than 24 hours after Israeli warplanes reportedly struck gas and oil facilities deep inside Iranian territory.

The Iranian missiles targeted several major Israeli cities, with Tel Aviv suffering the most damage. Dozens of buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged in the capital, including residential complexes and key infrastructure sites. Emergency crews worked through the early morning hours, pulling survivors from rubble and battling fires sparked by the explosions.

Among the high-profile targets was an advanced Israeli research and science center, which sustained a direct hit. While officials have not released full details, the center was believed to be involved in sensitive defense and technological research. The extent of the damage remains unclear, but multiple staff members were reportedly among the casualties.

Iranian state media confirmed the missile strikes, calling them a "measured and legitimate response" to Israeli "acts of war." On Saturday, Israeli air raids hit energy installations in southern and western Iran, causing multiple explosions at oil and gas fields. Tehran said the attacks crossed a red line, prompting immediate retaliation.

Israeli officials condemned Iran's response as "barbaric" and "escalatory." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel would respond "with overwhelming force" to defend its citizens and national interests. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that air defense systems intercepted many of the incoming missiles but were overwhelmed by the volume of the assault.

International leaders have urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. The United Nations Secretary-General called for an emergency Security Council meeting to address the rapidly deteriorating situation.

The tit-for-tat strikes mark one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the region in years, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. This is a developing story.