Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jun 21: The conflict between Iran and Israel intensified sharply on Friday as Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and rockets targeting Israel’s capital Tel Aviv and other cities, triggering air raid sirens and explosions across central Israel.
The Israeli defence system successfully intercepted several of the incoming missiles, but some caused damage. A four-storey building in central Israel caught fire, and at least two people were reported injured. According to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, missiles also struck Beersheba and Haifa, damaging historic sites including an Ottoman-era mosque.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed the use of long-range and heavy missiles targeting Israeli military sites, defence industries, and command centres. The Iranian army claimed the strikes were in direct response to Israel’s previous attacks, and warned of further action if provoked.
In a swift retaliation, Israeli airstrikes hit missile launch sites and air-defence batteries in western and southwestern Iran. Notably, Israel announced the killing of Aminpour Joudaki, commander of the IRGC’s second UAV brigade, responsible for hundreds of drone attacks against Israeli interests.
Explosions were also reported at Iran’s key nuclear facility in Isfahan, one of the country's most sensitive sites. Iran activated its air defence systems and confirmed casualties in the southwestern Khuzestan region, where at least four people died.
Meanwhile, at the UN, Iran urged immediate global action and warned against US involvement in the escalating conflict. US President Donald Trump said a decision on America’s role will be made within two weeks.
Amid rising tensions, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is open to discussing limits on uranium enrichment but ruled out halting the program entirely, especially “as long as Israeli strikes continue.”
The hostilities began last Friday with an Israeli strike on Iranian targets, with both nations now locked in a dangerous cycle of retaliation that risks broader regional conflict.