On the 13th (local time), Iran launched a large-scale missile attack in retaliation for damage to its nuclear facilities caused by an Israeli airstrike.
The Middle East is now facing a heightened risk of escalation, as Israel conducted its largest-ever airstrike targeting nuclear facilities and other sites in Iran, claiming it was a preemptive move to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and Iran immediately responded with a massive retaliatory attack.
The Israeli military announced that around 9 p.m. it detected dozens of missiles incoming from Iran and sounded air raid sirens across Israel. The Israeli military stated that its air force carried out interception operations to neutralize the threat.
Israeli military spokesperson Efi Defrin said that Iran launched fewer than 100 missiles in two waves, most of which were intercepted before entering Israeli territory, with only a few buildings suffering damage from debris. According to a U.S. military official cited by the Associated Press, U.S. forces assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles heading toward Israel.
On the night of the 13th (local time), the Iron Dome air defense system was activated over the central Israeli city of Tel Aviv to intercept Iranian missiles. Photo by Yonhap News
According to local media outlet Times of Israel, Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom reported that 35 people were injured in Tel Aviv and other areas, with one person in critical condition and four others seriously wounded.
The semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iranian missiles targeted the Ministry of Defense and intelligence agencies in central Tel Aviv, successfully breaching Israeli air defenses and striking their targets. It also stated that the port city of Haifa, near Tel Aviv, was among the targets. In addition, Iran's Press TV reported that the Iranian military successfully destroyed two Israeli F-35 fighter jets and several drones.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated, "We carried out an overwhelming and precise response against dozens of military centers and air bases belonging to the Zionist regime."
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said toward Israel, "They started this and initiated the war," adding, "The evil and vicious Zionist regime has made a grave mistake and error."
Earlier, the Israeli military launched a surprise airstrike at dawn, deploying 200 fighter jets to attack the Natanz nuclear facility in Isfahan, central Iran, as well as key military commanders and nuclear scientists. In the afternoon, Israel again dispatched fighter jets to strike Iran's ballistic missile production facilities and launchers.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated, "Iran has crossed a red line by launching missiles at densely populated civilian areas in Israel," and warned, "We will ensure that the Ayatollah regime pays a heavy price for the evil acts committed against Israel."
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