The deadly conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified dramatically, as Iran launched missile strikes on Israeli cities, killing at least four people and injuring dozens more.
The Iranian attacks, which rocked Tel Aviv and several other locations late Saturday, were described as a direct response to Israel’s unprecedented strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities earlier on Friday.
According to Israeli authorities, the Iranian missile barrage resulted in the deaths of two civilians and caused significant damage in parts of Tel Aviv.
Emergency services have confirmed that dozens of people have been injured, some critically, as sirens blared across central Israel throughout the night.
The escalation follows Israel’s large-scale air and missile attacks on Iranian soil, which reportedly targeted key nuclear sites and military installations near Tehran.
Iran claims that at least 78 people, including several senior military officials and six nuclear scientists, were killed in the Israeli strikes. Iranian officials also reported that more than 320 people, many of them civilians, were wounded in the attacks.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the Israeli assault as a “grave crime” and vowed that Israel would face severe consequences. “Israel must expect a crushing response,” Khamenei warned in a nationally televised address.
In a further sign that the conflict may widen, a senior Iranian official told CNN that Tehran is prepared to target regional military bases of any country that attempts to defend Israel or assist in its operations.
Despite the rising death toll, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled no intention of backing down. "More is on the way," Netanyahu said, vowing to continue Israel`s military campaign to neutralize Iranian threats.
The United States, which initially appeared to distance itself from Israel`s offensive, has now expressed open support for the Israeli government.
U.S. President Donald Trump told CNN that Washington "of course" backs Israel`s right to defend itself. Trump also issued a stern warning to Iran, urging the country to return to nuclear negotiations swiftly "before there is nothing left."
The international community has expressed growing concern that the situation could spiral into a wider regional war. Diplomats are scrambling to prevent further escalation as both Tehran and Tel Aviv brace for additional strikes.
The coming days are likely to be crucial, as both sides show no signs of stepping back from the brink of what could become one of the most dangerous conflicts in the region in recent years.
