Iran has claimed it shot down two Israeli fighter jets as part of its response to attacks on its nuclear and military sites. This news came as Iranian missiles were launched at Tel Aviv, where smoke was seen rising from the city. Air raid sirens echoed through Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as the missiles approached.
Footage showed Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system intercepting many of the incoming missiles. However, some managed to get through, resulting in 34 people being hospitalized in the Tel Aviv area. The Israel Defense Forces reported that dozens of missiles were launched from Iran, with some intercepted, and search and rescue operations were underway in areas where debris was reported.
Iran’s military announced it successfully hit two Israeli F-35 jets and a number of drones. The fate of the pilots from those jets is currently unknown. As tensions escalated, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned that Israel would face severe consequences for its actions, stating that Iran’s response would not be half-hearted.
This escalation follows significant Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which aimed to cripple its nuclear capabilities and military strength. Israel targeted key facilities and reportedly killed several high-ranking military officials. In a video message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Israel had significantly damaged Iran’s missile capabilities and urged Iranians to rise against their government.
As the conflict intensified, diplomatic efforts were made by Western leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump, who called for a resolution through dialogue. Amid the chaos, American officials stated that the US military assisted Israel in intercepting some Iranian missiles.
The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential further actions. The Israeli military has advised citizens to stay near air raid shelters as the threat of more attacks looms.