Iran struck back at Israel with a second wave of missiles on Saturday in retaliation to the latter’s Operation Rising Lion that killed over 78 people and left 320 injured, according to Iran’s UN ambassador. In a stark warning to Israel, Iranian military shared a video of the strikes saying, “When the last sword strikes, we’ll see who remains.”The Israeli military issued a brief alert urging residents to seek shelter following the detection of new missile launches from Iran. “A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles from Iran toward the State of Israel,” the military said, adding that the air force was “operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat”. Shortly after this, it announced that, based on a “situational assessment,” it was safe to leave shelters, though people were advised to stay close to them.Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a recorded address to the nation, said, “Do not assume that they attacked and it’s finished. No, they initiated the actions and began the conflict. We will not permit them to evade consequences for this significant wrongdoing they have perpetrated”.Israel’s emergency medical services reported that 34 individuals were injured in the missile barrage targeting the Tel Aviv area.Also read: ‘Will bring ruin to Zionist regime’, vows Ayatollah Khamenei; Israel says Tehran ‘never been weaker’
How it all started?
The conflict was sparked by what has been described as Israel’s largest military operation in history against Iran. Israeli warplanes and drones on Thursday night—some allegedly pre-positioned within Iranian territory—carried out a massive, coordinated assault deep inside the country. The attacks targeted critical sites, including components of Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile facilities, and military command centers. Several high-ranking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists were reportedly killed in the strike.In retaliation, Iran on Friday night launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at central Tel Aviv.
How world leaders reacted?
US President Donald Trump urged Iran to ‘make a deal’ saying, “Two months ago I gave Iran a 60 day ultimatum to “make a deal.” They should have done it! Today is day 61. I told them what to do, but they just couldn’t get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!”Meanwhile, Prime minister Narendra Modi called for restoration of peace in the region saying, “Received a phone call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India’s concerns and emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region.”UK PM Keir Starmer also urged for de-escalation urging to return to diplomacy saying “The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”In a pointed response, Iran rejected the call for restraint saying, “If you were silent during two years of Palestinian massacres and last night’s attack on Iran, don’t call for restraint now. Stay quiet.”
