Israel launched another wave of airstrikes on Iran overnight, targeting Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, in an attempt to weaken air defenses around the capital. In response, Iran fired multiple waves of ballistic missiles at Israeli cities, forcing thousands to take shelter.
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Targeting a Key Airport in Tehran
Iranian state news confirmed that Mehrabad Airport, which serves both military and civilian flights, was hit early Saturday morning. A hangar believed to be used for military jets was reportedly damaged.
Video footage verified by The New York Times showed thick black smoke rising from the section of the airport where military hangars are located.
Israeli Jets Strike Deep Inside Iran
Dozens of Israeli fighter jets were involved in the overnight mission, striking missile defense systems and other military targets in and around Tehran. The Israeli military said the goal was to break down Iran’s aerial defenses and send a message that the capital is no longer off-limits.
“Tehran is no longer immune,” said Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, chief spokesman for the Israeli military.
“This is the deepest we have ever operated in Iran.”
He added that Israeli jets and drones flew over the city for more than two hours, and that drones are now stationed nearby to support continued operations.
Iran Strikes Back — Homes Hit South of Tel Aviv
Iran responded with at least three waves of ballistic missiles, some of which hit residential areas in Israel. One missile struck Rishon LeZion, a city just south of Tel Aviv, killing two civilians and injuring 19 others.
City officials said one of the victims was Yisrael Aloni, a 73-year-old man. The second victim, a woman, has not yet been identified publicly.
Two Days of Heavy Attacks
This latest exchange follows Friday’s surprise Israeli strike on Iranian military and nuclear-linked targets, marking the start of a dramatic escalation between the two longtime enemies.
An Israeli military official said that in just two days, Israel has carried out around 150 strikes across Iran. Meanwhile, Iran has launched more than 200 ballistic missiles, along with dozens of attack drones.
Casualties Continue to Rise
Iran reported on Friday that at least 78 people were killed and more than 300 wounded in Israeli attacks. No official update has been given since then. Israel claims to have killed at least four senior Iranian military leaders and nine nuclear scientists or technical experts involved in Iran’s program.