In a dramatic and dangerous escalation, Iran has fired hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel, according to Iranian state media. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that missiles have been launched directly from Iranian territory, and explosions have been reported in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem by eyewitnesses and multiple international outlets.
This is the first confirmed direct missile assault from Iran onto Israeli soil, marking an unprecedented flashpoint in the long-standing hostility between the two regional powers.
Ballistic Missiles Fired From Iran
Iran’s state broadcaster announced late Friday night that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had launched a “comprehensive retaliation” in response to Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities.
“Hundreds of missiles have been launched at key Israeli military and political targets,” the broadcast said, labeling the strike as “Operation Martyr Soleimani,” in reference to the slain IRGC commander.
While Iran has supported proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas for decades, this direct launch from Iranian territory signals a new phase of regional warfare.
Explosions Heard in Israeli Cities
Explosions shook Tel Aviv and Jerusalem around 10:30 PM local time, triggering mass air raid sirens and sending civilians scrambling into shelters.
“It sounded like the sky was cracking open,” said Rachel Levi, a Tel Aviv resident who witnessed a missile interception overhead. “We saw fire in the air, and then the sound of a huge boom.”
The Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems have reportedly intercepted many but not all of the incoming missiles, according to a preliminary statement from the IDF.
Israel Responds: “We Are Under Direct Attack”
The Israeli military confirmed the unprecedented attack and stated that its missile defense network is fully engaged, while military jets are being deployed to target launch sites and strategic assets in Iran.
“Israel is under direct attack from Iran. We will defend our people with full force,” said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesperson. “All Israeli citizens should stay in or near protected areas.”
The Israeli Security Cabinet has convened an emergency war session, and the country is now under a state of national emergency.
The United States has condemned the attack and pledged “ironclad support” for Israel, according to a statement from the White House.
“This is a reckless and dangerous escalation by Iran. We are coordinating with Israeli officials and regional partners to prevent further bloodshed,” said U.S. President Donald Trump.
Pentagon sources have confirmed that U.S. forces in the region are now on high alert, and aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf have been repositioned in anticipation of further escalation.
A New Phase of Middle East Conflict
This marks the first time Iran has launched a direct, large-scale ballistic missile attack on Israeli territory, crossing a line that experts feared for years. Analysts are calling it a “historic turning point” in Middle East geopolitics.
“This is no longer a shadow war,” said former U.N. envoy to the region, Dr. Adam Weissman. “This is open warfare between Iran and Israel with regional and global implications.”
As of now, casualty figures have not been confirmed, but emergency services in Israel report several injuries and widespread infrastructure damage in parts of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
