Israel’s Defense Minister has issued a stark warning that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues launching missile attacks, amid escalating tensions following Israel’s surprise strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. The initial Israeli operation killed several top Iranian generals.
The Israeli military reported that the strikes also killed nine senior scientists and experts linked to Iran’s nuclear program. Meanwhile, Iran’s U.N. ambassador claimed the attacks killed 78 people and injured more than 320.
In response, Iran launched waves of drones and ballistic missiles targeting Israel. Explosions lit up the night skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, shaking buildings and prompting Israeli authorities to urge civilians to seek shelter amid ongoing conflict.
This escalation comes as Israelis are already on edge after 20 months of war in Gaza triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack. Health officials confirmed that three people were killed and dozens more injured in the missile barrage.
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Iran would face severe consequences. “If (Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front — Tehran will burn,” Katz declared.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s goal is to eliminate any Iranian threat but also called on Iranians to rise against their leadership.
The United States and Iran were scheduled to hold their sixth round of indirect nuclear talks in Oman on Sunday. However, Israel’s attack cast doubt over the negotiations. Iran’s top diplomat on Saturday labeled the talks “unjustifiable” following the strikes, signaling a likely pause, though no official cancellation was announced.
