Fresh Iranian missile barrage targets Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem

Iran and Israel have intensified their ongoing conflict, trading missile barrages and air strikes in a deadly escalation that shows no signs of abating midnight past Saturday. 

At least 80 people, including 20 children, have been killed in Iran, and four in Israel, with hundreds wounded on both sides, according to reports from the region, reports Al Jazeera.

Iran’s official news agency announced that its forces launched a hybrid attack, combining drones and missiles targeting Israeli cities, including Jerusalem and Haifa. 

Iranian state TV said that 100 missiles have been launched in the second wave of their operation "True Promise 3".

Israel’s Channel 13 cites “initial reports” that Iranian missiles have hit the northern coastal city of Haifa and neighbouring town of Tamra.

Live footage from Tel Aviv captured dozens of missiles and interceptors lighting up the night sky. Iran’s state TV confirmed additional missile strikes were underway, signalling a sustained offensive.

In response, the Israeli military conducted air strikes on military targets in Tehran, Iran’s capital. 

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported detecting missiles launched from Iran and urged residents to seek shelter in protected spaces. 

“Millions of Israelis are running to shelter in northern Israel due to projectile fire from Iran,” the IDF stated on X. Air raid sirens echoed across Israel, and the country’s security cabinet convened to address the escalating threat.

Explosions were also reported in the sky over Amman, Jordan’s capital, reminiscent of previous Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israel. No damage or casualties were reported in Jordan.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran’s Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant and the Khondab heavy water reactor under construction sustained no damage from Israeli strikes. 

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi also noted no further damage at Iran’s Natanz facility since the previous day.

Internationally, the Kremlin reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a phone call with former US President Donald Trump, denounced Israel’s attacks on Iran. 

Putin expressed “grave concern over the possible escalation of the conflict, which would have unpredictable consequences for the entire Middle East region,” according to Putin aide Yury Ushakov.

As both nations brace for further retaliation, the tit-for-tat attacks have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict with devastating consequences.