The direct hit on a modern apartment block in Tel Aviv highlights the devastating impact of Iran’s missile assault, which injured at least 34 and sparked fears over the Iron Dome’s effectiveness against large-scale ballistic threats. The international community scrambles for de-escalation as both sides prepare for the next phase.
BY PC Bureau
June 14, 2025 – In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Iran unleashed a significant missile attack on Israel late Friday night, targeting major cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This barrage, described by Iranian state media as a “crushing response,” came in direct retaliation for Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” which involved unprecedented airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities. Multiple ballistic missiles successfully breached Israel’s vaunted Iron Dome defense system, causing considerable damage in Tel Aviv and raising grave fears of an all-out war.
The Israeli military confirmed that Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles, with Iranian sources claiming “hundreds” were fired. While the Iron Dome and Israel’s Arrow missile defense systems intercepted many incoming projectiles, several penetrated the defenses, striking central Tel Aviv and other areas. Verified social media videos showed explosions lighting up the night sky above Tel Aviv, followed by plumes of smoke from damaged buildings.
🇮🇷⚔️🇮🇱 Tel Aviv was Remolded. IOF Announces it was Mass destruction in the city.
Last Video confirmation of Iran striking Kirya, The Israeli Defense Ministry Complex. pic.twitter.com/wjtaPbyGvP
— {Matt} $XRPatriot (@matttttt187) June 13, 2025
Impact on Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, one of Israel’s largest metropolitan areas, bore the brunt of the attack. A modern apartment block was directly hit, engulfed in flames and suffering significant structural damage. A nearby residential building also sustained damage, with shattered windows and twisted metal. Israeli emergency services, including Magen David Adom (MDA), reported at least 34 injuries in the Gush Dan region, encompassing Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan. Among the injured, one woman was in critical condition after being trapped under rubble, and a man was seriously injured, with others suffering shrapnel wounds or injuries sustained while seeking shelter.
READ: Israel Launches Fresh Wave of Attacks Against Iran
Israeli police confirmed widespread property damage but reported no fatalities in Tel Aviv at the time of reporting. The Fire and Rescue Authority actively worked to extinguish fires in the high-rise building and rescue trapped residents, while bomb disposal experts secured impact sites. In Ramat Gan, east of Tel Aviv, an Associated Press journalist observed burned-out cars and at least three heavily damaged houses, one with its front almost completely torn away.
Iron Dome Breached
Israel’s Iron Dome, a cornerstone of its multi-layered air defense system, was reportedly overwhelmed by the sheer volume and possible advanced nature of the ballistic missiles, some speculated to be Iran’s Fatah hypersonic missiles. Experts suggest the Iron Dome, primarily designed for short-range threats, struggled against Iran’s medium- and long-range ballistic missiles, which typically rely on Israel’s Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems for interception. Analysts believe Israel may have prioritized defending heavily populated areas like Tel Aviv, potentially leaving other regions more vulnerable to conserve interceptors.
Sky News correspondent Mark Stone noted that Iran appeared to aim at saturating the Iron Dome, with video evidence supporting missile strikes in Tel Aviv. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that while most missiles were intercepted, a “limited number of hits” occurred due to interception failures, leading to structural damage.
🚨 BREAKING: Hypersonic Missile From Iran Directly Hits Tel Aviv — Israel Under Fire! 🇮🇷🚀🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/F4cuVDAjw3
— Kawangware Finest ™ – Geoffrey Moturi (@cbs_ke) June 13, 2025
Estimated Losses
While comprehensive financial estimates from the June 13 attack are still being compiled, a previous Iranian missile attack on October 1, 2024, caused civilian property damage estimated at $40 million to $53 million, according to Israel’s Property Tax Authority. Given the larger scale of the recent barrage and more significant breaches of Israeli defenses, particularly the damage to residential and commercial buildings in Tel Aviv, a major economic hub, losses are anticipated to be comparable or higher. Emergency services and ongoing rescue efforts indicate the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Context and Retaliation
The Iranian missile strikes were a direct response to Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” which commenced early Friday. This Israeli offensive targeted Iran’s Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities and resulted in the deaths of top military officials, including General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, and General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had vowed a fierce response, stating, “The Zionist regime will not remain unscathed from the consequences of its crime.” Iranian state media claimed their missile strikes hit strategic military-industrial targets in Israel, though the IDF downplayed damage to its air bases and critical infrastructure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised further action, stating, “More is on the way,” and called on Iranians to overthrow their government. The IDF has called up reservists and is preparing for both defensive and offensive operations. Airspace over Israel, Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq remains closed.
International Response
The United States, Israel’s key ally, confirmed its naval destroyers assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles but emphasized its non-involvement in Israel’s initial strikes on Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran against targeting American interests, while President Donald Trump urged Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions to avoid further destruction. Western leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Merz, called for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to prevent a broader regional conflict.
Looking Ahead
The missile attack has dramatically heightened fears of an all-out war, with both Israel and Iran signaling their intent to continue military operations. The breach of the Iron Dome has raised critical questions about the system’s effectiveness against large-scale ballistic missile barrages, potentially prompting Israel to seek further defensive support from the U.S., which has already deployed a THAAD battery to the region.
As emergency services continue to respond in Tel Aviv and the IDF prepares for potential further strikes, the international community braces for the next phase of this escalating conflict. The situation remains highly fluid, with the risk of further violence looming large over the Middle East.
