Iran strikes parts of Israel overnight

Iranian ballistic missiles struck several areas in Israel overnight from Friday into early Saturday morning, killing at least three people and injuring dozens more. The attack was in retaliation for ongoing Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. The escalation follows Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and missile bases on Friday, during which three senior Iranian military officials were killed. These included the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Commander of Iran’s Emergency Command. Iran claims that Israeli strikes have killed at least 78 people including women and children and wounded more than 320 others. The Israeli military continues to target Iranian cities, military installations, and nuclear sites. In response to the Israeli strikes, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, issued a televised statement condemning the attacks. He warned that Israel should expect “harsh punishment.” “Israel has opened its dirty and bloody hands to commit a crime against Iran,” Khamenei said. “By targeting residential areas, the regime has revealed its evil nature more than ever. It must expect severe retaliation.” Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, echoed this sentiment, telling Iranian media that Israel would “pay a heavy price” for its actions. Since Friday, the conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified, with both sides exchanging airstrikes. Iranian ballistic missiles hit targets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, resulting in two fatalities. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it is continuing airstrikes on Iranian targets. In a brief statement posted on Telegram, the IDF said, “The Israeli Air Force continues to strike targets to eliminate threats in Iran.”