Tel Aviv Struck by Iranian Missile Barrage in Retaliation for Israeli Offensive on Nuclear Sites

Escalation Pushes Region Toward Open Conflict as Death Toll Mounts

Tel Aviv City Struck by Iranian Missile

Jerusalem By World Times — Iran launched a series of ballistic missile strikes on central Tel Aviv Friday, injuring at least 34 people in a dramatic escalation following Israel's wide-scale military operation against Iran's nuclear program and top military brass.

The missile barrage marked a significant turn in the already fraught Middle East conflict, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring Tehran had "crossed a red line" by targeting populated civilian areas. Israeli military officials said Iran fired fewer than 100 surface-to-surface missiles in two waves, most of which were intercepted by Israel's missile defense systems.

The attack follows a sweeping Israeli operation that began earlier Friday and claimed the life of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein Salami, along with two other senior generals. According to an Iranian official, Israel's strikes killed at least 78 people and wounded more than 320 across multiple sites, including the Fordow uranium enrichment plant—one of the core components of Iran's nuclear infrastructure.

The Israeli campaign, according to a senior official, was planned to last up to 14 days and was the result of deliberations held by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz earlier in the week.

Speaking Friday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Israel would face "severe punishment" for what he described as an unjustified and aggressive assault on Iran's sovereignty and national defense. "This response is only the beginning," Khamenei reportedly told Iranian state media.

The regional shockwaves reached beyond the battlefield. Global financial markets reacted swiftly, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 750 points, while oil prices spiked more than 7% on fears of broader instability in the energy-rich Middle East.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal Friday, said he had prior knowledge of Israel's intentions. "Heads-up? It wasn't a heads-up. It was, we know what's going on," he said. Trump also urged Iran to seek diplomacy: "Make a deal before there is nothing left."

An Israeli official disclosed that the strike had been months in the making, involving covert operations to smuggle explosive drones and precision-guided weapons into Iranian territory in preparation for Friday's coordinated attacks.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, addressing the nation late Friday, reaffirmed Israel's resolve: "This operation will continue for as many days as it takes. Israel will not stand down while our people are under threat."

With casualties mounting and threats of further retaliation from both sides, the situation has propelled the Middle East into one of its most volatile moments in recent history—one with unpredictable global ramifications.

Key Details:

Israeli Operation:

- Began Friday morning with strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities

- Killed IRGC commander Hossein Salami and two other senior generals

- Targeted Fordow uranium enrichment plant

- Planned 14-day duration

- 78 killed, 320+ wounded according to Iranian sources

Iranian Response:

- Fewer than 100 ballistic missiles fired in two waves

- Targeted central Tel Aviv

- 34 injured in Israeli territory

- Most missiles intercepted by Israeli defense systems