Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting Israel in what it described as the beginning of a “crushing response” to Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory earlier on Friday, June 13, 2025. The missile barrage has caused explosions in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with smoke rising visibly over the cities amid widespread sirens and emergency alerts.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the missile attacks and reported that their defense systems were actively intercepting many of the incoming threats. Authorities have issued urgent directives for all civilians to seek immediate shelter and remain in protected spaces until further notice.
This dramatic escalation follows a series of Israeli airstrikes that targeted over 200 locations in Iran, including nuclear facilities, missile manufacturing sites, and senior military leaders. Among those reportedly killed was Hossein Salami, chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), whose death was confirmed by Iranian state media. The strikes also caused damage to Tehran’s military headquarters and residential areas, with casualties including children.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei condemned the Israeli attacks as “wicked and bloody,” vowing that Tehran’s retaliation would be decisive and not “half measured.” The IRGC described the missile launches as a “crushing and precise” response, with multiple waves of strikes aimed at military targets within Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the ongoing military campaign, dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” as one of the most significant in the country’s history, aimed at neutralizing the existential threat posed by Iran. He warned that “more is on the way” and that Israel remains prepared for further escalation.
The United States has stated it is not directly involved in the military actions but has expressed concern over the rising tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, France and Russia have called for restraint, emphasizing diplomatic avenues to prevent wider conflict.
As the situation unfolds, Israel remains on high alert, with tens of thousands of troops mobilized and critical infrastructure under protection. The missile strikes have disrupted daily life, with Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport closed indefinitely and emergency services responding to injuries and damage.
This latest confrontation marks a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran, raising fears of a broader regional war with unpredictable consequences.
