Iranian Missiles Kill 10 in Israel Amid Night of Crossfire

A major escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel has resulted in significant casualties, with Iranian missile strikes on Israel overnight leaving at least 10 people dead, according to official reports on Sunday. The latest exchange marks the most direct and intense military confrontation between the two longtime adversaries in their history of proxy engagements and threats.

In retaliation, Israel launched widespread air strikes across Iranian territory beginning early Friday, targeting military installations, nuclear infrastructure, and fuel storage sites. In Tehran, heavy smoke blanketed the skyline following hits on two fuel depots, prompting long lines at gas stations as residents rushed to secure fuel amidst rising uncertainty.

Escalation Draws International Concern and Military Posturing

The United States denied direct involvement in Israel’s air campaign, with former President Donald Trump stating that Washington played no role in the Israeli operations. However, he cautioned that any Iranian aggression targeting American interests would be met with overwhelming force. In comments posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump suggested that a peace agreement between Iran and Israel was achievable and could bring an end to the escalating violence.

On the ground in Israel, the missile strikes caused widespread destruction. In Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, six people were confirmed dead and around 180 injured following a direct hit on a residential building. Emergency crews continued to search through debris as daylight revealed the full extent of the damage. Police reported that at least seven people were still unaccounted for, potentially trapped under the rubble.

In another incident in northern Israel, four women were killed when a building was destroyed late Saturday in the town of Tamra. These fatalities brought the total Israeli death toll since Friday to 13.

On the Iranian side, the country’s ambassador to the United Nations said 78 people were killed and 320 wounded in Friday’s initial wave of Israeli attacks. While Iranian authorities have not provided updated figures for subsequent strikes, officials in Tehran confirmed that several high-ranking military figures and nuclear scientists had been killed.

Strategic Targets Hit, Regional Fallout Deepens

The ongoing exchanges have targeted high-value infrastructure and personnel. Israeli military officials confirmed attacks on Iran’s Ministry of Defense headquarters in Tehran and the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), a shadowy unit associated with nuclear development. Strikes also included fuel depots and facilities associated with military logistics.

The Iranian Ministry of Oil confirmed that two depots near Tehran were hit, one of which was located in the Shahran district, where journalists observed fire and smoke rising from the site. Iran has accused Israel of assassinating key figures, including Mohammad Bagheri, the country’s highest-ranking military officer, and Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Israel has also reportedly targeted Iran’s uranium enrichment plant in Natanz.

In response, Israeli authorities issued warnings to Iranian civilians, advising them to evacuate areas close to weapons facilities. Tehran accused Israel of violating international norms by attacking nuclear sites, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that Israel had crossed a legal red line. He also claimed Tehran possessed evidence indicating U.S. support for the Israeli strikes.

Iran maintains that its retaliatory actions fall within its right to self-defense and indicated that it would cease its response if Israel halted its aggression.

Regional and International Involvement Expands

The conflict has drawn reactions from multiple global actors. Iran has suspended its participation in ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States, arguing that dialogue is impossible while under military threat. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have carried out strikes on airfields used for Israeli aerial refueling operations.

The Guards also warned of an expanded military campaign should Israeli strikes persist. Adding to the complexity, Yemen’s Houthi movement, aligned with Tehran, announced that it had launched missiles at Israel in coordination with Iranian operations.

Israeli defense forces reported intercepting seven drones aimed at Israeli territory within a single hour on Sunday, highlighting the growing aerial threat from regional militias and Iran-aligned groups.

Leaders from the region and beyond expressed growing concern over the spiraling violence. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing the risk of a broader war in the Middle East. Both nations reportedly agreed on the need to prevent a wider conflagration.

In Europe, the United Kingdom announced that it had deployed fighter aircraft and additional military assets to the Middle East. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the move was a contingency measure, calling simultaneously for restraint and a de-escalation of hostilities.