Now, Tel Aviv Under Fire: Iran Launches Fresh Missile Barrage Across Israel

Air raid sirens wailed across Israel as Iranian missiles streaked toward Tel Aviv and other cities, marking one of the most intense exchanges between the two regional adversaries in recent years. The attacks come in the wake of joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dramatically escalating an already volatile confrontation.

From civilian shelters in central Israel to diplomatic corridors at the United Nations, the crisis is unfolding with speed and severity, raising fears of a broader regional war.

How Did The Missile Attacks Unfold Across Israel?

Israel was placed on high alert after missiles were fired from Iran, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Phones across the country emitted advanced warnings of incoming missile, rocket or drone attacks shortly before sirens sounded nationwide.

In a post on X, the IDF said, "For the 20th time in the last 24 hours, millions of Israelis run to shelter across Israel under Iranian missile fire," describing continued launches that triggered frequent air-raid alerts. In another post, it added, "Sirens sounding across central Israel" as air-defence systems and civil defence protocols were activated.

According to TPS, the Israeli news agency, the Israel Air Force said its fighter jets dropped more than 1,200 munitions on targets in Iran over the past 24 hours, signalling a significant escalation in hostilities.

Images shared by Press TV showed smoke rising from the area of Israel’s General Staff building in Tel Aviv amid retaliatory strikes.

Casualty figures varied through the day. Earlier reports cited by The Times of Israel said at least 27 people were injured and one woman was killed after a missile struck a residential building in Tel Aviv, causing extensive structural damage. Emergency responders transported the injured to hospitals, while paramedics pronounced a woman dead at the scene after her apartment was hit.

Later, Israel’s national emergency service, Magen David Adom, stated there were no reports of impacts in residential areas or direct injuries following several salvos of Iranian ballistic missiles targeting central and southern Israel. However, TPS had earlier reported that over 20 people were injured in one strike, with one victim in critical condition.

What Triggered This Escalation?

The missile barrage followed joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran, targeting military sites and missile production facilities. Iranian state media reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, an assertion that has sent shockwaves through the region.

US President Donald Trump claimed responsibility for the operation in a post on Truth Social, writing, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD."

Iran has announced 40 days of public mourning following Khamenei’s reported death. The Supreme Leader’s office declared national mourning, with flags at half-mast and public gatherings planned, marking the end of a 37-year chapter that began when he succeeded Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.

Amid the turmoil, reports surfaced of celebrations in parts of Iran. CNN described scenes of whistling, cheering and slogans of “Death to the Islamic Republic” and “Long live the Shah.” Fox News shared video purportedly showing celebrations in Besat Town near Karaj. Former Israeli spokesperson Eylon A Levy posted footage on X, writing, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist Masih Alinejad posted another video stating, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world."

How Is Iran Justifying Its Response?

Iranian officials have framed the missile launches as an act of self-defence. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Deputy Foreign Minister Hamid Ghanbari said Iran was exercising its right to self-defence while expressing regret over any humanitarian consequences.

In a letter to the United Nations Security Council and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would continue to act "decisively and without hesitation" in self-defence until what it termed aggression against the country fully ceases.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had earlier warned that operations would persist, declaring that US assets in the region are legitimate targets.

As missiles and counter-strikes continue, both sides appear entrenched. With civilian casualties mounting and rhetoric hardening, the confrontation risks spiralling into a broader regional conflict that could draw in multiple actors across the Middle East.

(With inputs from ANI)