In a dramatic escalation, Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, triggering air defense systems across Israel. The attack, which Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) named Operation True Promise 3, reportedly struck “dozens of military centres and airbases” across Israel, according to the BBC.
Online videos show explosions lighting up the night sky over Israeli cities, with visible trails from Israel’s interception systems. One widely shared clip shows Fox News reporters taking cover live on air as the attack unfolded.
Iron Dome Engages, No Casualties Reported
The Israeli military confirmed that its Iron Dome defense system intercepted several incoming projectiles. “Our systems are intercepting the missiles,” Israeli officials said. Despite the scale of the attack, no injuries have been confirmed as of now.
A video shared by Faytuks on social media reportedly shows an Iranian ballistic missile striking near an air defense battery in central Tel Aviv, suggesting that at least one missile reached a strategic area.
IRGC Claims Responsibility for Operation True Promise 3
The IRGC officially claimed responsibility, stating that it launched the attack to strike strategic military locations. More details are expected soon as the group prepares a formal statement on the operation.
Amid the barrage, the United States military assisted Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles. A senior U.S. official told The New York Times that American military assets already deployed in the region were used in the interception efforts.
“The American military assets already in the region were used to intercept missiles on Friday,” the official said.
US Sends Reinforcements to Eastern Mediterranean
Consequently, the US is sending more troops and military assets to the eastern Mediterranean to strengthen its regional posture. In addition, this move aims to protect its forces and bolster defense capabilities amid escalating tensions.
This attack, therefore, marks a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, raising serious concerns across the international community. As the situation continues to evolve, global leaders are now closely monitoring for possible retaliatory steps or potential diplomatic fallout.