Iran and Israel Exchange Missile Strikes: Over 200 Dead, Cities Damaged, Tensions Soar
Telaviv Israel — A wave of deadly missile attacks between Iran and Israel has killed at least 200 people in Iran and 20 In Israel and wounded many others, as conflict between the two nations entered a dangerous new phase over the weekend.
Iran launched fresh missile strikes on Sunday night, hitting multiple Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Explosions lit up the night skies. Residential areas sustained direct hits, and videos circulating online show streets filled with rubble and emergency responders clearing debris from damaged buildings.
Israeli officials confirmed at least 20 deaths inside the country. In a rapid response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck military targets deep inside Iran. The IDF stated the airstrikes were aimed at neutralizing threats linked to Iranian missile operations.
“Iran’s actions pose a direct threat to Israel’s survival,” said Michael Lotem, Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, during a press briefing Monday. “Israel has a right and a duty to defend its people and territory.”
Iran reported over 200 deaths from the Israeli strikes, with most casualties occurring in military zones around Tehran, Isfahan, and western provinces. State media in Iran confirmed significant damage to defense installations but did not provide further details.
According to expert analysis from recent regional intelligence assessments, Israel’s offensive had been quietly prepared for months. The operation intensified after Iran’s air defenses were weakened during an October 2024 confrontation, which saw Israel test new long-range precision strike capabilities.
This round of violence marks a sharp escalation from earlier covert actions. In past years, Israel has been accused of sabotaging Iranian facilities using intelligence operations attributed to Mossad, but the current conflict has moved into open warfare.
International reaction remains urgent and cautious. The United States, United Kingdom, and France have urged both sides to de-escalate, while continuing to accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons a claim Tehran repeatedly denies.
Iran began withdrawing from its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement after the Trump administration exited the deal in 2018. That accord had originally placed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Since its collapse, Tehran has resumed uranium enrichment activities that raise fears of a nuclear breakout.
In a statement released Sunday night, Israel said its latest campaign focused on dismantling “key components” of Iran’s missile and nuclear infrastructure. Satellite imagery reviewed by conflict monitors appears to show direct hits on military compounds and energy-linked sites in central Iran.
As of Monday morning, both countries remained on high alert, with air defense systems still active and civil aviation in parts of the Middle East disrupted.
The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency session to address the growing crisis. Humanitarian agencies are also warning of potential refugee flows if the conflict spreads beyond current borders.
No ceasefire has been announced, and both governments have signaled readiness for continued operations if provoked.
The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue and new casualty reports emerge. Meanwhile, citizens on both sides are bracing for what could become one of the most dangerous cross-border escalations in the Middle East in decades.
