In the early hours of June 14, 2025, thousands of Iranian ballistic missiles were launched toward Israeli territory in a coordinated wave of attacks. Several of these rockets successfully penetrated the Iron Dome missile defense system and struck residential neighborhoods in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas. This offensive marks a serious escalation following Israel's series of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, which Israel refers to as Operation Rising Lion.
The Israeli military reported that over 400 rockets and drones were launched in retaliation; however, the Iron Dome was only able to intercept a number of these projectiles. The rockets that breached the defense caused minor damage to civilian buildings and injured 63 people, primarily due to shrapnel, according to local medical services. Despite the limited damage, an IDF spokesperson acknowledged that the defense system is currently challenged by the sheer volume and speed of incoming attacks.
The Iranian government described the assault as a legitimate retaliatory measure following the deaths of several senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists in prior Israeli airstrikes. "We will continue our attacks until Israeli aggression ceases," said an Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson. Conversely, the Israeli government condemned the attack as a "provocation that endangers regional stability" and vowed to respond decisively to any violations of its sovereignty.
The international community has responded with concern, condemning the escalation of hostilities. The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the unfolding situation. Meanwhile, the United States has expressed full support for Israel's right to self-defense but has also called on both sides to exercise restraint to prevent the conflict from expanding into a broader war that could threaten global security.
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