In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Iran launched a ferocious second wave of missile and drone attacks late Saturday night, pounding several central Israeli cities and leaving over 200 people dead or wounded. The large-scale assault, dubbed “True Promise III”, has sent shockwaves through the region and renewed fears of a broader conflict.
Among the cities hardest hit were Bat Yam and Rehovot, both located south of Tel Aviv. Israeli media outlets have provided conflicting casualty numbers: some report at least 9 dead and over 207 injured, while Channel 12 places the total injuries at 240, with dozens still trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings. Officials say 35 people remain missing in Bat Yam alone, where destruction is being called “one of the worst in recent memory.”
Shocking footage has emerged across social media, showing fireballs, thick plumes of smoke, and chaos as missiles struck urban neighborhoods. Entire streets lie in ruin, with dozens of homes and buildings reduced to rubble, particularly in and around Bat Yam and Tel Aviv’s outskirts.
One of the most high-profile targets was a military research facility in Rehovot, reportedly linked to the Israeli military. Iranian sources described it as a “strategic target”, and its obliteration is being viewed as a calculated strike on Israel’s military infrastructure.
Iranian state media claims that 50 ballistic missiles were fired in this latest barrage, aimed at military and industrial installations, including power grids and oil refineries. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later confirmed that its aerospace division executed the operation in retaliation for what it termed “renewed aggression” by Israel earlier this week.
Experts believe this wave of missile fire marks a new era in Iran’s precision warfare, showcasing its growing military capabilities. Analysts warn that the region is now teetering on the edge of a larger conflict, with both Israeli and Iranian officials hinting at further retaliation if tensions aren’t defused.
As search-and-rescue teams scramble through the wreckage and military analysts dissect the implications, one thing is certain: the Middle East is entering a far more dangerous phase one where missile diplomacy could become the new norm.
