How Iran and Israel Exchanged Missiles in Overnight Escalation

Early Saturday (June 14), Iran and Israel launched missile strikes on each other in a major escalation of hostilities. The conflict erupted after Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites and missile bases on Friday, reportedly killing top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.

In response, Iran launched a massive retaliatory attack targeting major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Air raid sirens blared, and loud explosions were heard across both countries.

Tehran Responds with Barrage of Ballistic Missiles

Iranian officials described the retaliation as the start of a “crushing response.” According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, “Moments ago, with the launch of hundreds of various ballistic missiles toward the occupied territories, the operation of decisive response to the savage attack of the Zionist regime has begun.”

The Israeli military said, “In the last hour, dozens of missiles have been launched at the state of Israel from Iran, some of which were intercepted.”

Casualties Reported on Both Sides

A woman in Israel died and about 40 others were injured during the Iranian strikes, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, told CNN. “We faced three salvos of ballistic missiles fired from Iran today, about 150 in total,” he said, warning that more missile attacks could follow.

Separately, Israeli emergency services reported another fatality and over 20 injuries in Rishon Lezion, just south of Tel Aviv, after a missile struck residential buildings. Rescue workers were seen digging through rubble to locate possible survivors.

“This is a difficult and complex scene and we are still continuing to scan and ensure that there are no additional victims inside the buildings,” said Rami Musher, deputy director of the Ayalon region’s emergency services.

Israel Downplays Impact, Targets Military Sites

The Israeli military claimed that Iran launched fewer than 100 missiles and only a few of them landed in Israeli territory. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), however, asserted that their missile barrage targeted Israeli military bases and airfields.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations stated that the Israeli strikes on Friday killed 78 people and injured over 320. He said, “The overwhelming majority” of the victims were civilians.

Tehran Comes Under Attack Too

Videos shared online showed explosions and smoke over Tehran, with Iranian media confirming that air defence systems were activated following another wave of Israeli strikes. Reports from Tasnim and Fars news agencies confirmed fresh attacks in the Iranian capital.

Netanyahu Speaks to Iranian Citizens

Addressing the Iranian population directly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Stand up and let your voices be heard.” He clarified, “Our fight is not against you, but your government.”