TEHRAN / TEL AVIV: Iran launched a barrage of missiles into Israel on Sunday and Israel responded with counter-strikes on Iranian targets, escalating tensions after the US bombed key Iranian nuclear sites.

Iran fired at least 40 missiles, targeting Israel’s main Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, research facilities and command centres, an Iranian state news agency reported.

Air raid sirens sounded across most of Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the port city of Haifa, as explosions and missile interceptions were seen.

Israeli emergency services and the health ministry reported at least 86 people injured, with the vast majority lightly wounded and two in moderate condition.

Videos showed rescue teams in Tel Aviv and Haifa combing through debris from damaged apartments.

Tel Aviv’s Deputy Mayor Haim Goren said hundreds of homes were damaged.

Iran, for the first time, deployed its third-generation Kheibar Shekan ballistic missile system, state television reported.

Israel responded immediately. Its military said fighter jets struck “dozens” of military targets across western and central Iran, including missile launchers, the “Imam Hussein” Strategic Missile Command Centre in Yazd and sites in Bushehr, Ahvaz, and Isfahan.

Israel’s military also claimed it downed two Iranian F-5 fighter jets at Dezful airport.

Published in Dawn, June 23rd, 2025