Chaos in the Night: Iranian Missiles Shake Tel Aviv and Jerusalem

In the dead of night on June 13, 2025, thunderous explosions rattled Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, mere minutes after the Israeli military warned of an impending missile barrage from Iran. The sirens blared across both cities as civilians rushed to shelters, jolted by the shocking sounds of war overhead and on the ground. The tension escalated rapidly, turning an otherwise quiet Friday night into a scene of fear and destruction.

Reuters footage captured a dramatic moment when a projectile landed in Tel Aviv, sending a plume of dark smoke into the air. Major news outlets like Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya confirmed that Iranian missiles had indeed breached Israeli airspace, causing widespread panic and activating emergency siren systems across the region. It marked one of the most intense nights of direct missile threats Israel has faced in recent years.

Iran described its attack as “Operation True Promise III,” a retaliatory response to Israel’s earlier “Operation Rising Lion,” which targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The Israeli offensive had reportedly killed several top Iranian Revolutionary Guard commanders, including Hossein Salami, and damaged key infrastructure related to uranium enrichment. This marked a significant escalation in the long-standing hostilities between the two nations.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), with support from U.S. forces, deployed Iron Dome and other missile defense systems to intercept the incoming threats. Although a large number of missiles were neutralized mid-air, several managed to get through and hit buildings in Tel Aviv and surrounding areas. These impacts caused serious injuries, shattered windows, and widespread structural damage, underscoring the limitations of even advanced defense technologies.

Iran claimed it had launched over 150 ballistic missiles in two waves, targeting various urban centers across Israel. In contrast, Israeli sources stated that fewer than 100 missiles entered their airspace due to combined U.S.-Israeli interception efforts. Despite those efforts, the damage on both sides was significant, with further retaliation feared in the coming days.

Preliminary casualty reports highlighted the growing human toll. Iranian state media reported at least 78 deaths and over 320 injuries caused by Israeli airstrikes earlier that day. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities confirmed 22 injuries from the missile strikes, with two victims in critical condition. The true numbers may rise as rescue operations continue and assessments are finalized.

Global leaders reacted quickly to the unfolding crisis. As oil prices surged, countries such as the U.K., France, and Russia called for immediate de-escalation to prevent broader conflict in the region. The U.N. Security Council announced it would convene an emergency meeting at Tehran’s request. With IDF reservists on standby and air raid sirens still active, Israelis are being advised to stay in protected shelters as further missile attacks remain a real possibility.