Iran responds to Israel's attack by launching fresh wave of missiles toward Tel Aviv as its Iron Dome and the US intercepts projectiles

Sky News AU

15 hours ago

Iran has launched a renewed wave of missiles towards Tel Aviv as part of its retaliation on Israel following its deadly attack which killed top military commanders and senior nuclear scientists in Tehran.
Sirens continued to sound across Israel on Friday night alerting residents to find cover or hide in bomb shelters after Iranian state media said a "crushing" response was underway.
The Israeli military said it had identified a fourth barrage of missiles launched from Iran to Israel and that it was working to intercept the projectiles before it reached civilian areas.
Sirens blared once again throughout Tel Aviv in addition to the country's north at about 5.30am, with explosions heard throughout Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as the fresh wave of missiles made impact.
Footage showed the Iron Dome, Israel's air defence system, stopping a large amount of missiles, however, a number breached the country's defences and hit greater Tel Aviv.
The United States confirmed it helped Irsael intercept some rockets.
Hebrew media outlets have reported that the death toll has risen to three, with two people falling victim to the most recent Iranian strike.
A woman also died in one of the earlier attacks after she was critically injured the Times of Israel reported.
A total of 19 people were injured in the fresh strike on central Israel according to a spokesperson for Magen David Adom rescue service.
It is understood at least one apartment block was struck in Rishon Lezion in central Israel in the most recent strike, with two trapped in the building and 14 other injured as a result.
According to Israel's ambulance service, 43 people have been injured including three who remain in a critical condition and another two were moderately hurt.
The Israel Fire and Rescue Service said four homes were also severely damaged in the attack.
Just after 6.00am (AEST), Israel's Defence Force said it was safe for residents to come out but authorities urged them to stay close to their homes or shelters.
Sirens also rang out earlier across the city just after 1am on Saturday local time (8am AEDT) warning of a counter attack from Iran.
Vision showed dozens of missiles being intercepted over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, but the vast amount appeared to overwhelm the Iron Dome.
At least one projectile penetrated the defence system and struck the ground in central Tel Aviv, where military facilities are located, and was reportedly was hit.
The IDF also confirmed it had downed 3 drones fired from Yemen at 5am local time.
After the earlier attack, Israel's Defence Force Front Command said residents could leave bomb shelters but again urged them to stay close to safe areas.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its forces "carried out its crushing and precise response against dozens of targets, military centres and air bases", after its chief Major General Hossein Salami was killed during Israel's strikes on Friday.
An Iranian United Nations envoy Amir Iravanti said 78 people had died and more than 320 others had been injured in Israel's attack, claiming many were women and children.
Iranian media reported at at 11am AEST that explosions could be heard in the Hakimiyeh and Tehranpars neighbourhoods in eastern Tehran a short while ago.
It was earlier reported that Tehran's Mehrabad international airport was struck by two projectiles resulting in extensive fires.
Al Jazeera also reported that air defence systems were activated in Isfahan, central Iran and that a loud explosion was heard in the area.
Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, told the Security Council the attack on Iran was an "act of national prevention" as he said Israeli intelligence confirmed Iran could have produced enough fissile material for multiple nuclear bombs within days.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tehran more attacks are "on the way" and that "the regime does not know what hit them or what will hit them".
"To the proud people of Iran, we are in the midst of one of the greatest military operations in history, Operation Rising Lion. The Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for almost 50 years threatens to destroy my country, the state of Israel," he said.
Mr Netanyahu added the objective was to "remove the threat" of nuclear and ballistic missiles, which will lead to "freedom" for the Iranian people.
US President Donald Trump lauded Israel's "very successful attack" on Iran's nuclear facilities and told CNN that the US "of course" supports Israel.
He also warned Iran to immediately make a nuclear deal, stating "Iran should have listened to me when I said — you know, I gave them, I don't know if you know but I gave them a 60-day warning and today is day 61".
Israel's attack had "taken out" top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, the "Islamic regime's most significant enrichment facility", and its ballistic missile arsenal.
"The nation of Iran and the nation of Israel have been true friends since the days of Cyrus the Great and the time has come for you to unite around your flag... by standing up for your freedom from an evil and oppressive regime," he said.
"It has never been weaker.
"Israel's fight is not with you, the brave people of Iran who we respect and admire. Our fight is with our common enemy, a murderous regime that both oppresses you and impoverishes you. Brave people of Iran, your light will defeat the darkness."