Several killed in Israel after Iranian missiles hit Tehran

 Several killed in Israel after Iranian missiles hit Tehran

Several Killed in Israel as Iran’s Missile Strikes Escalate Conflict

On the night of June 13 into June 14, 2025, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel in retaliation for Israel’s massive airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, killing several people in Israel and intensifying a conflict that’s spiraling toward a broader regional war. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were rocked by explosions, with sirens forcing millions into bomb shelters. As someone piecing together this grim escalation, it’s hard not to feel the weight of fear and loss on both sides. Here’s a clear, human take on what happened, the casualties, and what this means for a region on edge.

The Strikes and Casualties in Israel

Iran’s “Operation Severe Punishment” saw over 150 ballistic missiles and dozens of drones launched at Israel, targeting military sites like Nevatim and Tel Nof airbases and civilian areas. While Israel’s Iron Dome and U.S.-assisted defenses intercepted many projectiles, several missiles broke through, causing significant damage. According to Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom, at least four people were killed in the strikes, with over 100 injured:

• Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv: Three people—a 69-year-old woman, an 80-year-old woman, and a 10-year-old child—were killed when a missile struck an apartment block, wounding around 100 others.

• Tamra, northern Israel: At least five deaths were reported after a missile hit, with rescuers searching for survivors in the rubble.

• Rishon LeZion and Ramat Gan: Two people died in Rishon LeZion, and one in Ramat Gan, with buildings destroyed and 19 injured, some critically.

• Western Galilee: At least 14 people were injured, one critically, in a two-story house hit by a missile.

Hospitals like Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv treated dozens, with seven patients from the second barrage, most with light injuries, one in moderate condition. Social media posts on X reported higher casualty figures—some claiming up to nine dead and over 200 injured—but these remain unverified and may reflect early chaos rather than confirmed tolls. For example, one post claimed 58 deaths and 378 injuries, but no official sources corroborate this.

The Trigger: Israel’s Attack on Iran

The Iranian strikes were a direct response to Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” launched early on June 13, which targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities at Natanz and Isfahan, missile production sites, and military bases. Over 200 Israeli jets hit more than 100 targets, killing senior IRGC commanders like Hossein Salami and Mohammad Bagheri, alongside six nuclear scientists. Iran’s UN envoy reported 78 deaths, mostly civilians, and over 320 injuries, with later estimates suggesting up to 800 wounded, including 60 deaths (20 children) in a Tehran residential strike.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the operation a preemptive strike to stop Iran’s nuclear program, claiming it was “months” from a weapon. U.S. intelligence, however, maintains Iran hasn’t pursued nuclear weapons since 2003, highlighting a disconnect. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed a “crushing” response, and President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of a “more severe” retaliation if Israel doesn’t stand down.

Iran’s Threat to Western Allies

Adding fuel to the fire, Iran warned the UK, US, and France that their bases and ships in the region would be targeted if they assist Israel’s defense. The U.S. confirmed it helped intercept Iranian missiles, with naval destroyers firing interceptors, and troops at bases like Union III in Iraq and Al-Tanf in Syria took shelter during the strikes. Iran’s Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh explicitly threatened U.S. bases in Qatar and Bahrain, escalating fears of a wider conflict. The UK and France, which aided Israel in past attacks, face a dilemma as their forces in Cyprus and the UAE are now at risk.

The Human and Global Impact

The human toll is heartbreaking. In Israel, families like Ifat and Zion Benhaim in Rishon LeZion lost their home of 29 years, packing up amid rubble as sniffer dogs searched for unexploded ordnance. In Tehran, residents described explosions shaking their homes, with one, Mahtab, comparing the blasts to an earthquake. The fear is palpable—parents in both nations are shielding their kids, echoing the sentiment Shakira expressed in her recent interview: “My kids are the reason I’m alive.”

Globally, the fallout is dire. Oil prices jumped 7.62% to $72.98 a barrel, with the Strait of Hormuz at risk of closure. Asian markets, as previously noted, tanked, and European shares are braced for a gap-down open. Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon closed their airspace, and flights across the region were canceled. The UN’s Rafael Grossi confirmed Natanz’s above-ground facility was destroyed but Fordo was unscathed, with no radiation leaks. Diplomacy is crumbling—nuclear talks in Oman, set for June 15, were canceled after Iran pulled out, accusing the U.S. of complicity.