Tensions in the Middle East surged dramatically on Friday after Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles at Israel, marking one of the most direct and dangerous confrontations between the two nations in recent years.
The attack, which Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described as part of a vow to “inflict heavy blows” on Israel, comes in retaliation for overnight Israeli airstrikes that killed three Iranian military commanders and six scientists in Tehran.
In Israel, explosions were reported across major cities. Black smoke was seen rising above the Tel Aviv skyline, and a loud blast was also heard in Jerusalem, raising fears of further escalation.
Israel’s health authorities confirmed that at least 40 people were injured in the Iranian strikes, with two in critical condition. One woman in Tel Aviv has reportedly died from injuries sustained during the barrage, according to Israel’s ambassador in a statement to U.S. media.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not yet disclosed the full scale of the damage or whether the country will respond with further military action.
