Israel and Iran Exchange Missile Strikes as Regional Tensions Escalate

Missile strikes and air raids between Israel and Iran intensified overnight and into Saturday morning, placing millions of civilians on high alert. Air raid sirens sounded across Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urged people to take shelter.

Iran Vows Continued Strikes, Threatens U.S. Bases

According to Reuters, senior Iranian military officials told Iran’s Fars News Agency that Tehran will continue striking Israel and may expand its attacks to include U.S. military bases in the region over the coming days.

Early Saturday, Iran launched a new barrage of missiles toward Israel, the IDF confirmed. At the same time, Iranian state media reported that Tehran's air defenses had been activated to intercept incoming threats. IDF instructed the Israeli public to stay in protected shelters as Iron Dome missile defense systems engaged the new wave of attacks.

An NBC crew in Tehran reported the sound of drones, missiles, and fighter jets overhead as Iranian forces deployed aerial defenses.

Israel Responds with 'Operation Rising Lion'

Israel’s ongoing operations follow what it described as a "preemptive strike" on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure. In retaliation, Iran launched a campaign dubbed “Hard Retaliation.”

U.S. officials told NBC News that American military forces are assisting in intercepting Iranian missiles targeting Israel. The Pentagon had pre-positioned military assets, including U.S. Navy destroyers and THAAD and Patriot missile systems, near Israel before the attacks began.

U.S. Stays Out of Offensive, but Provides Support

While the U.S. insists it is not involved in Israel's unilateral military operation, President Donald Trump confirmed Washington was aware of Tel Aviv’s plans in advance. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump praised Israel’s use of American-made defense systems, calling them “the finest equipment in the world.”

Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday, according to White House officials.

“The Hard Retaliation Has Begun,” Iran Declares

Iranian state media declared:

“The Hard Retaliation operation has begun. Iran has launched a powerful and decisive response to the Zionist regime’s recent brutal attacks.”

Tehran claimed that it had fired hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israeli-occupied territories. The IDF confirmed its defense systems were operating at full capacity and instructed citizens to remain in shelters.

Markets React Sharply to Escalation in the Middle East

The U.S. stock market closed lower on Friday, amid growing fears of a broader regional conflict. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell over 700 points (nearly 2%), while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each dropped more than 1%.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stern warning:

“The Zionist regime will not remain unscathed from the consequences of its crime.
The Iranian nation must be guaranteed that our response will not be half-measured.”

Iranian state television later announced that Tehran will not attend the sixth round of nuclear talks with the United States, originally scheduled for Sunday in Muscat, Oman. According to the Times of Oman, the negotiations have been suspended indefinitely.

Nuclear Sites, Missile Facilities Among Israel's Targets

Brigadier General Effie Defrin, IDF spokesperson, said Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" targets both Iran’s nuclear development sites and long-range missile capabilities. Key locations struck reportedly include Isfahan and Natanz.

Meanwhile, two explosions were heard near Iran's Fordo nuclear site, located deep underground, according to Iranian news agencies.

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