Iran has launched a large-scale missile and drone offensive against Israel in what it calls a legitimate act of self-defense, following deadly Israeli airstrikes on Iranian soil earlier in the week.
According to Iranian state media and official sources, over 100 ballistic missiles were fired from Shiraz in the first wave of attacks targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa. Television footage broadcast by the Tehran Times and BBC News showed chaos in Tel Aviv, with buildings ablaze and civilians rushing to shelters as incoming missiles struck various sites across the city.
Iranian news agency ISNA reported that multiple layers of Israel’s air defense systems, bolstered by the United States, France, Britain, and NATO, struggled to intercept the barrage. Despite international support, Iran’s missiles penetrated deep into Israeli territory.
The Iranian military has named the operation “True Promise 3,” symbolizing a forceful response to what officials described as unprovoked aggression by Israel. The offensive began as the Leader of the Islamic Revolution addressed the nation, vowing that the Iranian Armed Forces would leave Israel “helpless.”
> “Definitely, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic will deal a great blow to the evil enemy,” he said in a televised speech.
The escalation follows a surprise Israeli airstrike on Friday morning, which targeted Iran’s Fordo and Natanz nuclear sites and killed several top military commanders and two nuclear scientists. Iran has accused Israel of violating international law and attempting to sabotage diplomatic efforts surrounding the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), which collapsed after the U.S. withdrew in 2018.
Iran’s new IRGC chief, General Mohammad Pakpour, warned before the retaliatory strike that the “doors of hell” would be opened for Israel, describing the operation as “bitter and painful.” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf echoed the sentiment, declaring that while Israel may have started the war, Iran will determine how it ends.
Missiles also struck Israel’s war and security ministry buildings in central Tel Aviv, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, which reported hundreds of missile launches across multiple targets inside Israel.
Three Israeli fighter jets were reportedly downed during Israel’s continued attacks on Iran, and an Israeli female pilot has been taken prisoner, Iranian sources claimed.
Official Statement of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran:
> “The nocturnal aggression of the Zionist regime against our homeland, Iran, which led to the martyrdom of our dear citizens, commanders, and scientists, proved that this illegitimate regime adheres to no international rule or law and, like a drunken monkey before the eyes of the world, including the Western claimants of human rights and international law, officially and with utter impudence commits assassination and kindles the fire of war.
> Starting war with Iran is playing with the lion’s tail. The cowardly nocturnal operation, while the diplomatic process on the nuclear issue of Iran was underway, is a sign of this regime’s fear of Iran’s power of persuasion and defense for the world. Although in the past two hundred years we have never initiated any war, we have not hesitated and will not hesitate an iota in the defense of our homeland.
> The aggression of Israel against the sacred sky of Iran and the unmanly assassination of Iran’s commanders proved this regime is inherently terrorist.
> Now we, all of us in Iran—from the nation and government to sovereignty—can with a voice louder than ever scream the terrorist and aggressor nature of the Zionists and consider revenge and defense as our legitimate right. More united and cohesive than ever, without any political differences, we will give a firm response to this child-killing and terrorist regime.”
This is a developing story. Updates to follow.