Iran launched a barrage of missiles targeting central Israel in the early hours of Saturday (June 21), setting off air raid sirens and sparking a fire in the city of Holon, Israeli authorities reported.
The attack came as Israel conducted strikes on Iran’s Isfahan province, home to a critical nuclear research facility, escalating a tit-for-tat conflict that has raised fears of a wider regional war.
Israeli air defense systems, including the Arrow missile defense system, were activated to intercept incoming projectiles over Tel Aviv, with footage showing streaks of light illuminating the night sky.
The Israeli military confirmed “limited damage” in Holon, with emergency services responding to a fire caused by debris from intercepted missiles. No casualties were immediately reported.
In Iran, state media acknowledged Israeli strikes on military and nuclear-related sites in Isfahan, though details on the extent of damage remain unclear.
The Isfahan facility is a cornerstone of Iran’s nuclear program, housing research reactors and uranium enrichment capabilities.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed concern over the risk of “radiological and chemical contamination” at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, also targeted in recent Israeli strikes, but confirmed no detectable increase in radioactivity outside the site.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the Israeli attacks, warning that any involvement by the United States in what he called Israel’s “aggression” would be “very dangerous for everybody.”
The statement came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with US President Donald Trump publicly contradicting his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, who had claimed there was no evidence Iran is actively pursuing a nuclear weapon.
Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, urged the nation to brace for a “prolonged campaign” against Iran as Israeli operations entered their ninth day.
The Israeli military has not officially confirmed targeting nuclear sites, but sources familiar with the operations described the strikes as a response to Iran’s missile attacks and a broader effort to curb its nuclear ambitions.
The escalating conflict has drawn international alarm, with the United Nations and several world leaders calling for de-escalation.
The US, a key ally of Israel, has reiterated its support for Israel’s right to self-defense but urged restraint to avoid a broader conflagration.
Source: Al Jazeera
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