Iran Fires Missile at Israel in Retaliation for Military Strikes

Iran launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel Friday night, marking a dramatic escalation in regional tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities.

Iran’s state-run news agency, IRNA, announced that the country had fired “hundreds of various ballistic missiles” in what it described as the “beginning” of a “crushing response” to Israeli aggression.

“The operation of decisive response to the savage attack of the Zionist regime has begun,” IRNA reported, claiming the missiles targeted Israeli military-industrial facilities, with satellite and field intelligence allegedly confirming multiple strategic hits.

However, Israel’s military downplayed the scale and effectiveness of the attack. A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Effie Defrin, said fewer than 100 missiles were launched and that only a small number reached Israeli territory, with many intercepted or causing damage from falling debris.

The United States played a key role in helping intercept incoming missiles, according to two Israeli officials speaking to CNN. Other regional partners reportedly joined in defending Israeli airspace, as they had in previous incidents.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant condemned the Iranian offensive, accusing Tehran of crossing a red line by targeting civilian areas. “Iran will pay a very heavy price,” he said.

Explosions Rock Tel Aviv

During the attack, loud explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Videos from Tel Aviv captured rockets streaking through the sky and plumes of smoke rising over the city’s skyline.

Injuries were reported across the densely populated Gush Dan region, which includes Tel Aviv. According to emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA), at least 34 people were wounded, including one woman in critical condition and a man with serious injuries. The actual number may be higher, as hospitals across the country continue to report casualties.

Authorities gave the all-clear about an hour after the strikes began, allowing residents to leave bomb shelters.

A CNN journalist near the impact zone described hearing a loud, jet-like noise followed by two explosions while sheltering with neighbors just 100 meters from a missile strike. Images shared by emergency services showed crushed vehicles and damaged building facades in central Israel.

Background and Fallout

Iran’s missile barrage came hours after Israel carried out a major two-pronged offensive targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership in Tehran. The strikes, which had been anticipated for days, were reportedly launched without U.S. involvement or approval.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Iranians directly in a televised speech, stating: “Israel’s fight is not against the Iranian people, but against the regime. More is on the way. They don’t know what hit them—or what will.”

The conflict comes on the heels of a major confrontation in April 2024, when Iran fired over 300 projectiles—including drones and ballistic missiles—at Israel. The vast majority were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, backed by international partners.

The current exchange of fire signals a dangerous new phase in Israel-Iran hostilities, raising fears of broader regional destabilization.