Tehran: Iran launched an aerial offensive on Israel overnight in what it called “Operation True Promise 3,” marking a sharp escalation in the conflict following earlier Israeli strikes on Iranian territory that killed several military leaders and nuclear scientists.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for targeting multiple military bases and strategic sites deep inside Israel.
Dozens of missiles and drones were launched toward key Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. International media on the ground reported bright flashes lit up the night skies as Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system intercept the barrage. Despite interception efforts, several projectiles hit their targets, causing damage.
Air raid sirens sounded across Israel as authorities urged the public to take shelter. Missiles were seen over Tel Aviv’s skyline, with the military saying Iran had fired two salvos, reports Reuters.
The IRGC confirmed it had targeted Israeli military installations that were allegedly involved in earlier airstrikes on Iran. These included weapon manufacturing centers and operational airbases. According to IRGC statements, that a significant number of ballistic missiles successfully struck their intended targets.
Iran’s response followed what it described as an Israeli offensive earlier in the day, during which residential buildings and strategic facilities in Tehran and other cities were reportedly hit. Iranian state media reported that top Iranian military commanders, including Major General Mohammad Baqeri and IRGC Chief Commander Hossein Salami, were killed in those Israeli strikes. In response, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed new military leadership, vowing continued resistance reports IRNA news agency.
The conflict has intensified rapidly, with both sides trading high-level attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Israeli operations against Iran will continue for days, aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. He asserted that Israel’s actions target the Iranian regime, not its people, and promised further strikes were imminent.
As regional anxiety deepens amid calls for restraint, international observers warn the conflict could widen unless both nations step back from the brink. With each side hardening its stance, the risk of further escalation remains dangerously high.
