Iran has launched a fresh wave of ballistic missile attacks targeting major Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, killing at least eight people and wounding dozens more, Iranian and regional media reported.

The assault comes just hours after Israeli forces carried out a series of airstrikes on Tehran, escalating tensions between the two arch-rivals.

Iranian officials say Sunday’s Israeli strikes killed more than 220 people in the capital and surrounding areas, including 70 women and children. 

Among the dead are the head of intelligence of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and two other senior generals, according to Iranian state media.

In response, Iranian missiles struck civilian and strategic sites in Israel, prompting air raid sirens across several cities. Emergency services confirmed multiple casualties and significant damage.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Tehran would "pay the price – and soon" for its retaliatory actions. 

"The people of Iran will understand the cost of attacking Israel," he said in a statement on Sunday night.

US President Donald Trump, reacting to the escalation, said he remained hopeful that Israel and Iran could eventually "make a deal," while reaffirming Washington's continued support for its closest ally in the region.

SMS/