New Delhi: A fresh wave of intense attacks has erupted in the Middle East as Iran launched a significant ballistic missile attack against Israel, targeting Tel Aviv and other regions. This latest escalation marks the sixth consecutive day of fighting between the sworn enemies, with both sides showing a clear intent to escalate the conflict.
The Israeli military preempted the Iranian strike by launching its own attacks on Iranian oil facilities near Tehran, including refineries and oil depots. This action followed an evacuation warning issued by the Israeli military spokesperson for a specific area of Tehran, according to Reuters.
Social media was flooded with videos showing massive fires raging northeast of the Iranian capital, near the Tajrish neighbourhood. The visual evidence confirms the devastating impact of the Israeli strikes. These preemptive Israeli strikes, however, did not deter Iran from retaliating in force.
The Iranian missile barrage, reported to include around 10 ballistic missiles, triggered air raid sirens across central and northern Israel in the early hours of Wednesday morning. An Israeli military official confirmed to the media that the attack, stating that most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s defence systems.
However, Hebrew media and Israeli sources reported that at least two missiles struck central Tel Aviv, resulting in significant explosions on the ground, causing damage and raising concerns about potential casualties. Additional reports suggest that over 20 missiles were launched towards Israeli territory.
The ongoing conflict reflects a dangerous escalation of hostilities, with both Israel and Iran signalling their intention to intensify the fight further. This alarming development has drawn significant international attention, increasing fears of a wider regional conflict.
Adding to the international concern is the involvement of US President Donald Trump. Trump convened a national security team meeting in Washington on Tuesday to discuss the escalating situation. Following the meeting, he engaged in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump called for Iran’s unconditional surrender while chillingly revealing knowledge of the Iranian Supreme Leader’s location, although he stated there were no immediate plans to eliminate him.
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now…Our patience is wearing thin,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
