Eight killed as Iran launches fresh strikes on Israel following deadly Israeli raids

Iran launched a substantial wave of ballistic missiles at major Israeli urban centres on June 16, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, resulting in at least eight fatalities—two women, three elderly men, and three others in Haifa—along with over 87 people wounded.

This marked the third consecutive night of Iranian strikes following a series of Israeli air assaults on Tehran.

The missile offensive struck civilian zones and critical infrastructure. Homes in Tel Aviv collapsed, and a utility plant in Haifa sustained significant damage, igniting fires and disrupting electricity.

Emergency services from Magen David Adom confirmed that 74 people were hospitalized, including one woman in serious condition.

The Iranian advance came hours after Israeli jets conducted raids around Tehran, targeting the IRGC’s Quds Force headquarters and other strategic military and oil facilities.

These strikes reportedly killed over 224 people in Iran, including senior IRGC intelligence officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians—among them at least 70 women and children .

In response to Tehran’s retaliation, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The arrogant dictator from Tehran has become a cowardly murderer… The residents of Tehran will pay the price – and soon.” His warning intensifies fears of a widening war and growing civilian toll.

President Donald Trump, currently in Canada attending a G7 summit, stated he remains hopeful Israel and Iran can eventually negotiate a resolution, while reaffirming strong US support for Israel’s right to defend itself.

Major Highlights of the Conflict

-Iran fired approximately 100 ballistic missiles; around 90 were intercepted by Israel’s air-defence systems, including Iron Dome.

-Israel's retaliatory attacks included sites in Tehran, notably the Quds Force HQ and key oil depots, killing senior IRGC commanders and scientists.

-Across both nations, civilian casualties have surged—8 Israelis killed (two elderly women, three older men, and three found in Haifa rubble), and 224+ Iranians killed, including women, children, and high-ranking military personnel.

-Israeli officials issued evacuation orders for areas within the missile trajectories; Tehran saw a mass exodus from the capital amidst widespread anxiousness.