• Source:JND
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Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran for the second night in a row, A dramatic video circulating on Iranian media late Friday night captured the moment Iran’s air defence systems lit up the skies over central Tehran, intercepting suspected Israeli missiles just blocks away from the residence of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Moniriyeh district, home not only to Khamenei’s heavily fortified compound but also the Iranian presidential palace, became the epicentre of a tense night as air raid sirens blared and missiles exploded overhead. The video, posted by Iran International English, captured streaks of missile rounds flaring across the night sky as anti-missile weaponaries began firing in defence of the nation's most guarded political region. Local media reported at least two missiles striking close to Mehrabad airport in Tehran, a strategic location that also has air force infrastructure, further escalating the mayhem. Witnesses said to the local media that they heard massive booms and witnessed fireballs across the capital, either signaling successful interceptions or on-target missile strikes near Iran's political powerhouse.

Iran Hit Back With 'True Promise 3'

The sudden spike in tensions followed after Israel initiated 'Operation Rising Lion' on June 12, a bold and unprecedented aerial attack on Iran's military and nuclear facilities. Israel targeted several crucial targets such as the Natanz underground facility for enriching uranium, the Fordow fuel facility, and homes of senior Iranian military commanders. The Israeli army said it was taking action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb, a position its ambassador claimed at the United Nations. According to Iran's ambassador to the UN, 78 individuals were killed in the Israeli strikes, including high-ranking IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists. More than 320 others were injured. Iran's government announced a period of national mourning but also made a stern warning that Israel would be met with a "severe and painful response."

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Within just 24 hours, Iran struck back with 'True Promise 3', a mass missile attack targeting Israel's main cities. Dozens of ballistic missiles were fired at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in waves, illuminating Israeli skies and prompting mass evacuations to bomb shelters. Many of the threats were intercepted by the Iron Dome and Arrow missile defence systems, but some projectiles managed to penetrate, causing damage in Tel Aviv and the adjacent Ramat Gan. One Tel Aviv high-rise building was directly hit, and extensive damage was reported. One woman who was critically hurt by the explosion subsequently died, and over 60 others were treated for heavy injuries. The Israeli government stated that fewer than 100 missiles were launched, and most of them were either intercepted or fell short.

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Talking after the night of mayhem, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei stated, "The Zionist regime has made a big mistake, a grave error, and committed a reckless act," about Israel's attack. He vowed retaliation and announced total solidarity with the military forces, as security was boosted around all important government centers. The United Nations and several countries, like India and France, called for restraint, threatening a war in the region that would destabilise the Middle East. Negotiations to revive the Iran-US nuclear deal, abandoned in 2018, are now in the balance. A new round of dialogue scheduled in Oman is at risk, with Iran accusing Washington of complicity in Israel’s actions.