Tel Aviv, one of Israel’s largest cities, has become a central target in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The fighting began after Israel launched a major air campaign against Iran on June 12, 2025.
Israel’s government said the strikes were meant to “degrade, destroy and remove the threat” of Iran’s nuclear program, which Israeli officials believe is close to producing nuclear weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the start of “Operation Rising Lion,” stating that the campaign would continue until the Iranian threat was eliminated. Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the Natanz and Esfahan sites, as well as military bases and command centres.
Several top Iranian military leaders, including Major General Hossein Salami, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, were reportedly killed in the attacks.
In response, Iran launched a large-scale retaliatory attack called “Operation True Promises III” on June 13, 2025. Over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones were fired at targets across Israel, including Tel Aviv.
The Iranian government said the attack was a direct response to Israel’s strikes on its nuclear and military sites. Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel’s two largest cities. The missile strikes killed at least one person and injured dozens more in Tel Aviv. Buildings were damaged, and emergency services worked to rescue people trapped under debris.
The Israeli Defence Minister declared a state of emergency, closing schools and warning citizens to prepare for further attacks. Sirens sounded across Israel, and people were told to take shelter.
Most of the Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted by Israeli air defences, but some managed to hit their targets, causing casualties and damage.
The violence has resulted in heavy losses on both sides. Israeli strikes in Tehran killed at least 78 people and injured over 320. According to Iranian officials, these numbers have not been independently confirmed.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, vowed to retaliate further, promising that Israel would be made “helpless.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, showing Iran’s efforts to gain international support.
The United States has stated it is not involved in the Israeli strikes and is focused on protecting its personnel in the region. The US has evacuated some of its soldiers and their families from bases in the Middle East as a precaution.
There are growing fears that this conflict could expand into a larger regional or even global war, with some analysts warning of the risk of World War 3. The fighting between Israel and Iran has already drawn in neighbouring countries, with some Jordanian and Saudi air defences intercepting drones and missiles. The situation remains highly volatile, and world leaders are calling for restraint to prevent further escalation.
The current conflict marks the most direct and deadly confrontation between Israel and Iran in decades. Tel Aviv, as a major city, has suffered from violence, and its residents remain on high alert as the world watches to see what happens next.