Iran Launches Missile Strikes On Tel Aviv And Haifa; Iran Strikes Tel Aviv & Haifa With Missiles

Iran Israel War:

Tel Aviv, June 16 – Iran launched a direct missile attack on Israel late Sunday night, striking the cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa, in a dramatic escalation of regional tensions. Israeli officials confirmed injuries, infrastructure damage, and have vowed a powerful military response.

The missile strikes, confirmed by both Iranian and Israeli sources, mark one of the most serious direct confrontations between the two nations in recent years. The Israeli military reported that its Iron Dome air defense system intercepted several missiles, but some penetrated the defenses and caused damage in civilian areas.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), at least 12 people were injured, with several in serious condition. Residential buildings in northern Tel Aviv and industrial zones in Haifa suffered damage. Emergency services were deployed to affected areas, and residents were instructed to remain in shelters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an emergency security briefing shortly after the attacks and condemned Iran’s actions as a “declaration of war.”

“Tehran has crossed a red line. This is an act of open aggression, and we will respond with full force,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed the Prime Minister’s stance, stating that Israel’s response would be swift and uncompromising.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the missile strikes in an official statement broadcast on state media. The IRGC described the attack as a “legitimate response” to what it alleged were Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military positions in Syria and southern Lebanon in recent days.

“This strike is a proportionate retaliation for Zionist attacks on our sovereign forces. We will respond decisively to further provocations,” the IRGC statement read.

The missile barrage has drawn widespread international concern. The United States condemned the attack and reiterated its support for Israel.

“We stand with Israel against this reckless and dangerous escalation by Iran,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, adding that Washington is in close contact with Israeli officials.

The United Nations Security Council announced it would convene an emergency session to discuss the developing situation. European Union officials called for immediate de-escalation, warning that further hostilities could destabilize the region and trigger a broader conflict.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes have already begun targeting Iranian military assets in Syria and Iraq in retaliation. The IDF has placed its northern and southern command units on high alert.

The missile strike comes amid months of rising tensions between Iran and Israel, with ongoing hostilities involving Iranian-backed groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. However, this is one of the few instances of Iran directly launching missiles at Israeli cities, significantly increasing the risk of full-scale warfare.

With military operations underway and diplomatic channels under pressure, global powers are urging both sides to exercise restraint. However, Israeli officials have made clear that retaliation is imminent and that “all options are on the table.”

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