Key points
- Iran strikes Tel Aviv and Haifa; eight killed
- Israel vows retaliation, Tehran warned of consequences
- Missiles damage “homes, markets, and US Embassy area”
- G7 leaders seek to prevent wider regional escalation
ISLAMABAD: Before dawn on Monday, Iran launched missile strikes on Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa, killing at least eight people and injuring over 100, according to Israel’s national emergency services.
The attacks destroyed homes and damaged infrastructure, including a power plant near Haifa’s port. The Israeli Defence Minister warned that residents of Tehran would “soon pay the price”, according to Reuters.
These strikes are part of an escalating conflict now in its fourth day, with Israel reporting 23 civilian deaths since Friday. In response, Israeli attacks on Iran have resulted in at least 224 fatalities, according to Iran’s health ministry, with the majority being civilians.
Search and rescue
Search and rescue operations continued in Haifa and Tel Aviv, where several residential buildings were destroyed. Blasts shattered windows near the US Embassy branch in Tel Aviv, which sustained minor damage. The US ambassador confirmed there were no injuries among staff.
In Tel Aviv, missiles also struck near the busy Shuk HaCarmel market and in other residential areas, including Petah Tikva and Bnei Brak. Video footage showed missiles over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with loud explosions heard in both cities.
A resident, 31-year-old chef Guydo Tetelbaun, described the frightening experience of sheltering during the attack and returning to find his apartment severely damaged. “Walls are caved in, no more glass… it’s terrifying because it’s so unknown,” he said.
Overriding Israel’s defences
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed they used a new method that caused Israel’s defence systems to interfere with each other, enabling more successful strikes. Israeli officials did not confirm this but acknowledged their systems are not infallible, reported Reuters.
Defence Minister Israel Katz accused Tehran of targeting civilians to weaken Israeli resolve, stating that Iran’s leadership would face consequences.
On Monday, Israel’s military launched further strikes on Iranian military and Revolutionary Guard command centres.
G7 summit
Meanwhile, G7 leaders gathered in Canada with the Israel-Iran conflict high on the agenda. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz outlined the summit’s goals: preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, safeguarding Israel’s right to self-defence, avoiding further escalation, and preserving space for diplomacy.
US President Donald Trump expressed hope for a resolution. “I hope there’s going to be a deal,” he said before leaving for the summit. “Sometimes they have to fight it out.”
The situation remains volatile, with global leaders seeking to prevent a broader regional conflict.
