Iran missiles slam into Israeli cities, injuring at least 12, while Khamenei tweets

Iran unleashed a barrage of approximately 20 missiles targeting Israel today, striking multiple cities and injuring at least 12 people, as air raid sirens echoed across the nation from Eilat to northern Israel.

The attack, which began around 3:37 PM IDT, prompted immediate activation of Israel’s air defense systems, with emergency services scrambling to respond to impact sites in Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and Gush Dan. Amid the assault, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei posted a provocative tweet in Arabic, declaring, “The Zionist enemy is receiving its retribution; it is now receiving its punishment.”

Details of the Attack

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the missile launches from Iran at 3:37 PM, with additional missiles fired from Yemen triggering sirens in northern Israel by 3:40 PM. By 3:59 PM, multiple impact sites were reported, including four confirmed strikes across the country. In Haifa, 12 people were wounded, with a 16-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man in serious condition due to shrapnel injuries. In Be’er Sheva, three impacts caused one person to be treated for shock, with no physical injuries reported. Three others sustained light wounds elsewhere

Emergency response teams, including Magen David Adom, are actively treating casualties and evacuating the wounded to hospitals. The Home Front Command issued a partial all-clear by 4:05 PM, allowing residents in some areas to exit shelters, but urged continued vigilance as rescue forces operate nationwide.

Public and Official Response

Israeli authorities are assessing damage and casualties, with the IDF maintaining high alert. Residents were urged to follow Home Front Command instructions, remaining in shelters during the barrage.

This marks the latest escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict, with Iran’s missile strikes following months of tit-for-tat attacks. Israel’s air defenses, including the Iron Dome, have been critical in mitigating casualties, though the scale of today’s barrage shows the ongoing threat. The international community has yet to respond formally, but pressure is mounting for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate.

Khamenei’s Tweet and Regional Tensions

Khamenei’s tweet, posted at 4:08 PM during the missile barrage, has drawn sharp condemnation for its inflammatory rhetoric. The statement, timed as missiles struck civilian areas, highlights Iran’s intent to escalate hostilities. On X, reactions ranged from outrage at Iran’s aggression to calls for international condemnation, with users decrying Khamenei’s “vile” rhetoric. The attack has also intensified scrutiny of Iran’s regional ambitions, especially as it faces internal instability.

Update on Rocket Impact Sites: 4:30pm

So far, Haifa is confirmed as the only direct hit. In all other locations, reported damage was caused by interceptor shrapnel rather than incoming rockets.