ISLAMABAD: Iran launched a new wave of missile and drone strikes on Sunday targeting US military bases across the region as well as Israeli territory, state media reported, in retaliation for a massive US–Israeli attack that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian state television said 27 US bases in the region were among the targets, along with Israel’s military headquarters and a defence industries complex in Tel Aviv.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched a sixth wave of attacks in retaliation for US and Israeli bombardment of Iranian territory, according to state media.
The IRGC said it carried out “extensive missile and drone” strikes targeting Israel and US military bases across the region.
According to the statement, 27 US bases were targeted, along with Israel’s Tel Nof airbase, the Israeli army’s command headquarters at HaKirya in Tel Aviv, and a major defence industrial complex in the same city.
The IRGC warned that Iranian forces would “implement a different and harsh step of revenge, with successive, regrettable slaps,” signalling the possibility of further escalation.
Iran Vows Revenge
The Iranian military announced it would avenge what it described as the “martyrdom” of the Supreme Leader.
In an official statement, the army said that targeting the country’s leadership was a grave and intolerable act that would be met with a strong and decisive response. Authorities warned that those responsible would be punished “at all costs.”
The statement added that Iran would take every possible measure to defend its sovereignty and national security, declaring that the “enemy will pay the price” for the attack.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also issued a strong warning, stating it would deliver a severe and exemplary punishment to those behind the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.
Confirmation of Khamenei’s Death
Iranian state media had earlier confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on Saturday in US and Israeli strikes. According to reports, he was at his office when the attack occurred.
The government announced a seven-day public holiday and declared 40 days of national mourning following his death.
Strikes and Interceptions Across the Region
Loud explosions were heard early Sunday near Erbil airport in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, which hosts US-led coalition troops, according to an AFP journalist. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the area.
On Saturday, coalition forces intercepted several missiles and explosive-laden drones over Erbil.
Israel’s military said it was responding to Iranian missile launches on Sunday. Air raid sirens were activated across central Israel and parts of the occupied West Bank.
“Sirens were sounded in several areas across the country, following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel,” the Israeli military said in a statement, adding that its air force was operating to intercept incoming threats.
The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump announcing the start of “major combat operations,” vowing to dismantle Tehran’s missile and naval capabilities and signalling support for the removal of Iran’s current leadership.
Iran responded within hours by firing missiles toward Israeli territory, triggering air-raid sirens and sharply escalating tensions in an already volatile region.
Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel and US-linked targets across the Gulf on Saturday after Washington and Tel Aviv began what US President Donald Trump described as “major combat operations” against the Islamic Republic.
Trump Vows Continued Strikes
In a televised address, Trump said the objective of the operation was to eliminate “imminent threats,” dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities, and prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
After claiming that Khamenei had been killed in the initial wave of strikes, Trump declared that operations would intensify.
“The hour of your freedom is at hand,” Trump said in remarks directed at the Iranian people, urging them to “take over your government.”
The White House indicated that air and naval assets in the region would remain fully engaged.
Iranian Retaliation Targets Israel and Gulf Bases
Within hours of Trump’s announcement, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes toward Israeli territory, triggering air raid sirens in several cities.
Israeli air defence systems were activated, and explosions were reported in parts of northern and central Israel as interceptors engaged incoming projectiles.
Iran also fired missiles toward US military installations in Gulf countries, including bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Air defence systems were activated across the Gulf, with several countries reporting interceptions.
Tehran described the strikes as legitimate self-defence and warned of further action if US and Israeli operations continue.
Rising Regional Tensions
The rapid exchange of strikes has heightened fears of a broader regional confrontation, with multiple countries hosting US military assets placed on high alert.
The situation remains fluid as both sides signal further action in what is becoming one of the most serious escalations in the Middle East in recent years.
