Israel and Iran have exchanged direct strikes, plunging the region into a new phase of open conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Friday that dozens of missiles were launched towards Israel, including one from Yemen that triggered sirens in Jerusalem and the West Bank area.
The IDF said its Aerial Defense Array is actively detecting and intercepting multiple missile launches, urging citizens to follow safety instructions and avoid sharing footage or locations of impacts online. “The explosions you are hearing are from interceptions or fallen projectiles,” the military statement added.
Earlier in the day, Israel reportedly launched a powerful offensive deep inside Iran, targeting critical components of its nuclear and military infrastructure. Using warplanes and drones allegedly pre-positioned inside Iranian territory, the Israeli assault is believed to have resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian generals and nuclear scientists. Israeli officials described the attack as a preemptive measure aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
In retaliation, Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel, causing multiple explosions over key cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Residents reported feeling the ground tremble as defense systems engaged incoming threats.
Israeli Army Chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi warned of “difficult moments” ahead, indicating that the military remains on high alert for further escalations. “The attack is ongoing,” the IDF stated, underscoring the continued threat of missile launches.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, vowed that the Iranian nation “will not let the blood of its great martyrs go to waste,” asserting that any violation of Iranian airspace would be met with forceful retaliation.
ईरानी क़ौम अपने अज़ीम शहीदों के ख़ून को व्यर्थ नहीं जाने देगी, और अपने मुल्क की वायु सीमा की ख़िलाफ़वर्ज़ी को हरगिज़ नज़र-अंदाज़ नहीं करेगी।
— आयतुल्लाह सय्यद अली ख़ामेनई (@In_khamenei) June 13, 2025
The situation remains fluid, with international observers expressing concern over the potential for a wider regional conflict involving multiple state and non-state actors. The United Nations has called for restraint, while several countries have begun evacuating diplomatic personnel from the region.
