Iran launches major missile strikes on Israel in retaliation for US-Israeli airstrikes

Iran unleashed a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and military sites across central and northern regions on Sunday, marking its first major response to US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. 

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the attack as part of the 20th wave of Operation True Promise 3, showcasing advanced missile technology and tactics.

Iran launched approximately 40 ballistic missiles in two waves, striking at least 10 locations, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Ness Ziona, Beer Yaakov, Ramla, and Bat Yam. The IRGC stated the targets included Ben Gurion Airport, a biological research facility, and multiple command and logistical bases. 

Haifa: A missile struck without prior warning, exposing failures in Israel’s early warning system and sparking public outrage.

Tel Aviv: Significant damage reported, with 30 injuries confirmed.

Bat Yam: A residential building caught fire following a direct hit.

sraeli authorities activated sirens across multiple regions, but failures in Haifa and al-Jalil prompted residents to remain in shelters. The Israeli military urged the public to refrain from sharing footage of impact zones, though videos of widespread destruction continued to emerge.

Israeli media, citing Magen David Adom (MDA), reported at least 86 settlers injured, some in critical condition, with Tel Aviv accounting for 30 casualties. Emergency teams are still assessing damage across impacted areas, where fires and structural devastation have been documented. Israeli forces remain on high alert as the situation develops.

The IRGC described the operation as a strategic retaliation for US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, which Tehran condemned as “illegal and escalatory.” The 20th wave of Operation True Promise 3 featured:

New Weaponry: The first combat deployment of the third-generation Kheibar-Shekan multi-warhead ballistic missile, equipped with maneuverable warheads designed to evade air defenses.

Tactical Innovation: Missiles used advanced guidance systems and terminal maneuverability, striking targets before sirens could activate, causing “confusion and disruption” among Israeli forces, according to the IRGC.

Missile Types: A mix of liquid- and solid-fuelled missiles with high-impact warheads.

IRGC spokesperson Major General Naeini emphasised that Iran employed “new and surprising tactics” for precise and devastating strikes. 

The IRGC warned that “the full strength of Iran’s military capabilities has not yet been revealed,” signalling potential for further action.

The Iranian strikes follow coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at dawn on Sunday, an operation Tehran labelled as a provocative escalation. The missile campaign has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, with both sides on edge. 

Israeli authorities have instructed residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, while emergency and military units continue to respond.

As the international community monitors the situation, Iran’s use of advanced missile technology and its bold tactical approach underscore a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Source: Al Mayadeen