Tehran/Jerusalem: Tensions between Iran and Israel reached a new peak this week as Iran launched a powerful counterattack in response to previous Israeli airstrikes. Multiple international media outlets have confirmed that Iran fired a barrage of missiles targeting strategic Israeli locations, including an area near the Mossad (Israeli intelligence agency) headquarters.
Iran’s Missile Offensive
Hundreds of missiles and drones were launched by Iran late Sunday and continued into Monday, in what officials in Tehran described as a “measured and proportional response” to Israeli strikes that had killed senior IRGC commanders in recent weeks.
One missile struck near a Mossad operations center, reportedly located in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv. While Israel claims the missile was intercepted or landed without causing major damage, Iranian media described it as a “direct warning” to Israeli intelligence.
Explosions were also reported in Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, and Rehovot, with power outages and civilian panic in affected areas.
Fourth Israeli F-35 Fighter Reportedly Shot Down
Iranian military sources and semi-official media claim that a fourth Israeli F-35 stealth fighter jet was downed near the Iran-Iraq border, likely during a reconnaissance or attack operation.
While Israel has not confirmed the loss, Pentagon sources expressed concern over the vulnerability of F-35 jets in high-risk combat zones.
U.S. intelligence officials told Reuters that some F-35 operations have been temporarily suspended in the region pending investigation.
Israeli Response: “This is Just the Beginning”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a press conference, said, “This attack proves Iran’s aggression. Our response will be devastating — and this is just the beginning.”
Israel has since launched what it’s calling “Operation Rising Lion”, targeting missile launch facilities in western Iran, including in Kermanshah and Tabriz.
Global Reaction
The United States condemned the Iranian attack but urged both sides to de-escalate. President Biden is reported to have called both Netanyahu and Iranian intermediaries in Oman.
The European Union has called for an “urgent ceasefire,” with Germany and France warning that any attack near nuclear facilities could trigger a broader Middle East war.
India, China, and Russia have advised their citizens to leave Israel and Iran immediately. India has begun evacuating nationals through Armenia and the UAE.
Current Situation Snapshot
ElementDetailsMissiles Launched by Iran~200 confirmed (ICBMs, short-range, kamikaze drones)Israeli Air DefenseIron Dome, David’s Sling successfully intercepted many; but some penetrations confirmedCasualtiesIsraeli side: 12 injured, 3 critical; Iran: unknownF-35 LossesIran claims 4 total; Israel officially silent
Strategic Significance
Analysts at the Institute for Strategic Studies (UK) say this could be the most direct and dangerous exchange between Iran and Israel in the past decade. With nuclear rhetoric rising and mutual threats increasing, global powers are pushing hard to prevent a full-scale war.
Source Highlights
The Guardian (UK): “Iranian missiles strike Israel as Netanyahu vows more retaliation.”
CNN (USA): “Fourth Israeli F-35 possibly downed in Iranian airspace, officials reviewing.”
Al Jazeera (Qatar): “Missiles fall near Mossad HQ; Iran warns of broader action.”
Reuters: “Israel calls in reserves, Iran threatens retaliation for next attack.”
The Times of Israel: “Missile barrage from Iran targets military bases, infrastructure, airfields.”
