Overnight and into Saturday morning, Israel and Iran continued their exchange of missiles and airstrikes, with air raid sirens blaring across Israel, including in major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Citizens were urged to seek shelter as tensions escalated. Iran announced further strikes against Israel and threatened to extend their attacks to U.S. bases in the coming days, according to Reuters, citing senior Iranian military officials via Iran’s Fars news agency. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Iran launched another wave of missiles early on Saturday, while Iranian state media reported the activation of air defenses in Tehran to counter incoming threats.
In response to the escalating conflict, the IDF instructed Israeli citizens to remain in protected shelters as their “Iron Dome” missile defense system worked to intercept the incoming missiles. Meanwhile, in Tehran, the sounds of drones, missiles, and fighter jets filled the air as Iran’s air defenses were deployed. This latest round of hostilities follows Israel’s military operations against Iran, which it described as a “preemptive strike” targeting Iran’s nuclear program and other strategic sites, prompting Tehran to seek retribution.
The United States has been actively assisting in intercepting Iranian missiles aimed at Israel. According to American officials, the Pentagon had pre-positioned military assets in the region ahead of Israel’s initial strikes. These assets include U.S. Navy destroyers stationed off Israel’s coast, along with ground-based interceptors like THAAD and Patriot batteries. Images from Tel Aviv captured the Iron Dome in action, intercepting rockets over the cityscape.
Despite the U.S. not being directly involved in Israel’s “unilateral action,” President Donald Trump acknowledged awareness of Tel Aviv’s plans and expressed satisfaction with Israel’s military performance, highlighting the use of American equipment. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the situation, and Trump also communicated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Following Iran’s counterattacks, their state news agency declared the commencement of “The Hard Retaliation” operation, with Iran launching a significant missile offensive towards Israeli territories.
The conflict has had broader implications, with U.S. stock markets closing lower as fears of a regional conflict intensified. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by over 700 points, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also experiencing declines. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stern warning, asserting that Israel would face consequences for its actions.
In light of the conflict, Iran has decided not to participate in the upcoming round of nuclear negotiations with the United States, which were scheduled for the weekend in Muscat, Oman. U.S. officials expressed hope for continued talks, despite the suspension reported by Iranian state television.
Israel’s military operations, called Operation Rising Lion, targeted Iranian nuclear sites in Isfahan and Natanz, aiming to weaken Iran’s long-range missile capabilities. The Israeli Army Spokesperson highlighted their awareness of Iran’s retaliatory plans involving missiles and drones. Meanwhile, explosions were reported near Iran’s Fordo nuclear enrichment site, further heightening tensions.
President Trump urged Iran to pursue a nuclear deal, warning that continued conflict would only worsen the situation. He emphasized the superiority of U.S. military equipment, largely utilized by Israel, and stressed that further bloodshed could be avoided through negotiations.
