Tensions between Iran and Israel reached boiling point on Saturday as the two adversaries traded deadly missile strikes and air raids. Iran’s retaliation began 18 hours after Israel had launched a massive air assault deep into Iranian territory, targeting nuclear facilities, military bases, senior commanders, and scientists in what it called a pre-emptive strike to cripple Iran’s atomic ambitions. Iran escalated the war, saying it will retaliate on the naval bases of countries who will intervene in the ongoing standoff between Iran and Israel.  

Air raid sirens blared across Israeli cities, sending civilians, already exhausted from the war with Gaza, scrambling for shelter. The Israeli army confirmed that at least three people had been killed and seven soldiers wounded in the attacks. Officials have shut down Israel’s main international airport until further notice.

In Tehran, the consequences were far graver. An Israeli strike on a residential complex killed at least 60 people, including 20 children. Other Iranian cities also reported strikes as Israel claimed to have hit over 150 targets across the country. The Iranian government has vowed to retaliate against any foreign naval forces that attempt to interfere in its ongoing standoff with Israel.