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Explosions in Tel Aviv, other Israeli cities as Iran launches missiles after US strikes
The Israeli military says it has identified missiles launched from Iran. Israel's defence systems are operating to intercept the threat.
At least 11 people were hurt after Iran launched a barrage of missiles towards Israel hours after Tel Aviv's closest ally – the US – struck three nuclear sites in Iran. Sirens were sounded and explosions were heard as the Iranian missiles hit parts of central and northern Israel, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Nes Ziona and the Rishon Lezion area.
The Israeli military has identified missiles launched from Iran and are operating to intercept the threat.
According to news agency AFP, 30 missiles have been launched at Israel from Iran. The Ben Gurion International Airport was among sites targeted by Iran.
"These live images you are seeing are of a new salvo of Iranian missiles fired on the occupied territories," said a presenter on air as the Iran state TV announced the fresh missile attack targeting Israel.
Some visuals going viral on social media purportedly showed destruction and damage in the Haifa city after the Iran strikes.
“Eleven people were taken to hospital, including one in moderate condition - a 30-year-old man wounded in the upper body by shrapnel,” AFP quoted Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the country had struck three nuclear sites - Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
The US attack used bunker-buster bombs, known as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, on Iran’s Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment plant. The bomb is currently delivered only by the B-2 stealth bomber, which is only found in the American arsenal.
In addition, US submarines launched about 30 Tomahawk missiles.
Ever since, the US had taken a strong stance against Iran, asking it to back down.
The White House had said that Trump was seeking additional time to deliberate on whether the US would step into the conflict and send in troops.
Amid radiation fears after the strikes on nuclear sites, Iran said there were no signs of radioactive contamination at the three locations and no danger to nearby residents.
The US military move came over a week after Israel launched strikes targeting nuclear and military sites, top generals, and scientists. Israel's strikes were aimed at systematically eradicating Iran's air defenses and offensive missile capabilities.
While Trump and Israel claim a threat from Iran saying it could assemble a nuclear weapon, Iran has maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
