Dozens killed as Iran-Israel conflict intensifies With strikes on civilians and military sites

At least 81 people have been killed and hundreds injured as violence between Iran and Israel escalates into direct military confrontation, raising fears of a wider regional war.

Israeli authorities reported that three people were killed and dozens injured after Iran launched missile attacks early Saturday, targeting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. In retaliation, Israel conducted large-scale strikes on Iranian soil, killing at least 78 people and wounding over 320, according to Iranian officials. Many of the casualties were reported to be civilians.

The exchanges followed Israel’s unprecedented strikes on Friday that targeted Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, reportedly killing several of Iran’s top military commanders. The Iranian government responded with a wave of missile and drone attacks overnight, resulting in explosions across major Israeli cities and drawing alarm from the international community.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accused Iran of “crossing red lines” by targeting civilian population centers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that “more is on the way,” indicating that Israel is preparing further military responses.

Meanwhile, Iran's leadership has vowed a “crushing response” and pledged to intensify its attacks, warning that it will not allow the Israeli strikes to go unanswered.

The rapidly escalating conflict has prompted urgent calls for de-escalation from world leaders concerned about the destabilizing impact on the broader Middle East.