Israel-Iran Conflict Updates | Explosions echoed over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Friday night, triggering widespread air raid sirens across Israel, following what Israeli military officials described as a major missile barrage launched from Iran. The intensifying conflict marks one of the most volatile moments in the region’s recent history.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA confirmed that hundreds of ballistic missiles were fired in response to what Tehran described as Israel’s most extensive and damaging attack on Iranian territory. Friday’s “preemptive” Israeli strike reportedly targeted up to 100 sites, including Iran’s vast underground nuclear facility at Natanz and several military installations.
Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the ‘proud people of Iran’
As Tehran attacks Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the ‘proud people of Iran’ | Says he is with them, people of Israel are with them#Israel #Iran #BenjaminNetanyahu #IsraelIranConflict pic.twitter.com/gUlvtZXAQI
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Among the dead were two of Iran’s top military commanders and at least six leading nuclear scientists, according to IRNA.
Israel Declares State of Emergency, Iran Closes Airspace Amid Drone Warfare
In a swift counteroffensive, Iran launched around 100 drones towards Israeli territory. Israel’s military said it was actively intercepting the drones before they could enter its airspace. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz acknowledged the risk of retaliation, stating: “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future.”
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Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stern warning following the Israeli strikes, saying Israel would face a “bitter and painful” retribution for its actions.
As air raid sirens blared across Israeli cities, the government declared a state of emergency, bracing for further escalation. In a direct response to the attacks, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organisation issued an official NOTAM, announcing the closure of its airspace until further notice, halting all domestic and international flights across the country.
The conflict now appears poised to trigger broader instability in the Middle East, with both nations locked in a rapid cycle of attacks and counterattacks targeting core infrastructure and strategic leadership.
