Last night, Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israel as retaliation for the deadly strikes carried out by Israel early Friday morning.
The Israeli attacks dealt a heavy blow to Iran, destroying key infrastructure used in its nuclear weapons program, and killing many of its military leaders and top scientists.
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations announced that 78 people were killed and around 320 injured.
In response, on Friday evening, Iran fired numerous long-range ballistic missiles targeting various regions in Israel.
Videos shared widely on social media showed multiple Iranian missiles hitting the cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where loud explosions were reported.
The missile strike came in waves, following an earlier suicide drone attack by Iran on Friday.
At this point, it is difficult to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the Iranian missile attack.
Preliminary reports indicate that 40 Israelis, including two in critical condition, are currently receiving medical treatment after being wounded in the strikes.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United States also confirmed that one woman was killed by the attacks.
In a statement on its X (formerly Twitter) account, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was “intercepting and neutralizing missiles where necessary” to prevent further consequences.
The IDF also warned Israelis to prepare for potential additional attacks from Iran and urged them to stay near secure shelters.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called on both countries to deescalate and embrace a ceasefire.
Guterres wrote on his X account: “Israel strikes Iran’s nuclear sites, Iran responds with missiles on Tel Aviv. Tensions are at a breaking point. It’s time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail.”
Western leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself when its security is threatened by Iran.
On the other hand, many Asian countries led by Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran, warning that Israel must face consequences.
