The Voice News: Sirens wailed across Israel early Saturday as Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles in retaliation for massive Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites and senior military officials. Some missiles evaded the Iron Dome defense system, striking Tel Aviv and causing significant damage and injuries.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Iran fired over 100 ballistic missiles in two salvos, with dozens more launched in a second wave. Several hit populated areas, damaging buildings and injuring at least 21 people, two critically. Photos and videos from Tel Aviv showed fires, collapsed structures, and emergency evacuations in areas like Ramat Gan.The IDF said its air defenses intercepted most of the missiles, but not all. Search and rescue teams are currently active in multiple locations.The U.S. aided in intercepting Iranian missiles but was not involved in the Israeli offensive, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the attacks, U.S. troops at bases in Iraq and Syria were ordered into bunkers.Israeli Operation “Rising Lion”Israel’s assault, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, began early Friday with over 200 fighter jets striking more than 100 Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities, missile stockpiles, and senior command centers. The IDF claimed it dismantled major parts of Iran’s nuclear program, including facilities in Isfahan and Natanz.IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said the strikes preempted an Iranian plan to destroy Israel, alleging Iran was racing toward a nuclear bomb and doubling its missile arsenal.Top Iranian commanders killed in the strikes included: Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff Hossein Salami, Commander of the Revolutionary Guards Gholamali Rashid, Head of Emergency CommandIranian officials reported 78 people killed and more than 320 injured in the Israeli airstrikes.Iranian Response and Khamenei’s WarningIran responded with over 100 drones followed by waves of missiles. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a “fierce” response that would leave Israel “helpless.”Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this, warning of a “severe and powerful” retaliation.Despite assurances from the U.S. that it was not involved, the State Department had notified several regional allies ahead of Israel’s operation. President Donald Trump reiterated that Iran had missed multiple chances to make a nuclear deal, warning that “the next attacks will be even more brutal.”Nuclear Facilities and International ConcernsIsraeli strikes reportedly damaged underground enrichment halls and uranium-related infrastructure in Natanz. However, Iran’s Fordo facility and Bushehr nuclear power plant remained untouched, according to the UN’s nuclear watchdog, IAEA.The IAEA said no radiation increase was detected at any site. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte urged de-escalation, stating that although tensions were high, a nuclear conflict did not appear imminent.Regional Fallout and Escalation RisksThe attacks come amid ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, which are now in jeopardy. Iranian officials suggested upcoming negotiations may be canceled.Experts warn the conflict could spill over regionally. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are expected to retaliate on Tehran’s behalf, possibly resuming Red Sea strikes or targeting U.S. military assets in the Gulf.Fabian Hinz, a military analyst, warned that Iran’s large stockpile of short-range missiles and anti-ship weapons poses a broader threat to U.S. bases than to Israel.With regional alliances strained and hostilities deepening, analysts fear this latest escalation could mark the most intense phase in the decades-long shadow war between Israel and Iran.
