Missiles over Tel Aviv: What was Iran's response to Israel?

^{Israel's Iron Dome defense system repels Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv
Leo Correa / AP / Scanpix / LETA}
The situation in the Middle East has once again become tense. On the evening of June 13, Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel. The attack began around 9:00 p.m. local time and was carried out in several waves. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded immediately to the situation and actively activated its defense systems. An official statement asked the population to take shelter in safe areas and remain there until further notice.

Terrifying night: Explosions and terror in Tel Aviv

The most powerful strikes were directed at the Israeli capital, Tel Aviv. Video footage clearly showed the Iron Dome air defense system being activated over the city, but several rockets landed in residential areas. According to Reuters, witnesses reported explosions, fires and panic in the city.

^{Destruction in Ramat Gan}
At least seven points were hit in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Media outlets such as Yedioth Ahronoth and Channel 12 reported damage and destruction in various parts of Israel. Some residential buildings were destroyed, and people were trapped in burning buildings. Firefighters managed to rescue people in the catastrophic conditions.

Iran's "True Promise-3": Retaliatory strike confirmed

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps called this Iranian operation "True Promise-3". According to the Corps' statement, Iran carried out direct strikes on military bases, airspace and strategic facilities in Israel. This move is seen as a logical continuation of the previous two "promise" operations - in April and October 2024, Iran also launched missiles at Israel.

^{Sources reported that a woman was killed in Ramat Gan}
According to information released by the IRNA agency, several Iranian missile strikes destroyed one of the buildings belonging to the Israeli Ministry of National Security or the Ministry of Defense. This information has not yet been officially confirmed by Israel.

Information about victims and casualties

According to official data, at least 41 people were injured in the attack, most of them with minor injuries. Two people were hospitalized in serious condition. Although it was initially reported that there were no casualties, the New York Times later reported that a woman had died in the city of Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv.

^{The situation on the streets of Tel Aviv during the attack}
Israeli response: "red line" crossed

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that Iran's attack crossed a "red line." According to him, Iran will face serious consequences for attacking civilian areas. "The ayatollahs' regime must be held accountable for its crimes," Katz said. The Israeli army, in cooperation with the United States, said that it shot down most of the rockets.

Why did the attack happen?

Iran carried out this large-scale attack in response to previous Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. These strikes killed high-ranking military personnel, scientists and civilians. Iran responded with drones after the Israeli strikes, but they were intercepted in Iraqi, Jordanian and Syrian airspace.

Ayatollah Khamenei's statement: "This is the beginning of war"

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke on state television and officially described the Israeli strike as a declaration of war. He said that the "Zionist regime" could not escape the consequences of its crime and "could not remain neutral." He addressed the Iranian people and made a firm statement, saying that "our response will not be half-hearted."

Conclusion: A new phase is beginning in the Middle East

The recent events can undoubtedly completely change the political and military balance in the Middle East. The confrontation between Iran and Israel is not a game - it is a serious test that will affect the future of the region. The world community, in particular the United States and the European Union, is closely monitoring this situation. But the main point of the matter is that civilians are becoming victims again.