Iran has begun its promised counterattack, firing missiles toward Israel just hours after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on targets across Iran, including in Tehran and other major cities. The IDF says it detected launches from Iranian territory and immediately activated its layered air‑defense network.

Israeli officials and regional media report that Iran has so far launched around 30 ballistic missiles, with explosions heard over parts of northern Israel as interceptors engage incoming fire. Sirens have sounded across multiple areas, and civilians have been ordered into protected shelters while interception efforts continue. Initial reports of damage and casualties remain unclear as missiles are still being tracked and engaged in the air.

The counterstrike follows a massive pre‑emptive operation earlier today in which Israel, backed by U.S. forces, hit military and missile‑related sites in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Kermanshah and other locations. Both Iran and Israel, along with Iraq, closed their airspace to civilian traffic as explosions were reported near sensitive government and Revolutionary Guard facilities.

Iranian officials had vowed a “crushing response” to the attacks, and today’s missile launches appear to mark the opening phase of that retaliation. U.S. assets in the region are on high alert to assist with missile defense and protect American bases, as analysts warn that each new volley risks dragging the entire region into a wider, multi‑front war. This is a rapidly developing situation; key details on impacts and the next wave of responses may change in the hours ahead.