Iran launches fresh missile wave at Israel, violent strikes on Tehran

Iran launched another wave of missiles toward Israel on Thursday following overnight Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, which residents described as among the most intense attacks of the war so far.

Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired ballistic missiles at Israel, the Mehr news agency reported. Air-raid sirens were triggered in parts of Israel.

Iran’s regular armed forces said they launched combat drones at Israeli military targets, including Palmachim Airbase and Ovda Airbase, according to Iranian state radio.

Another target was the headquarters of the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service, it said.

Meanwhile, renewed Israeli airstrikes in Tehran have raised fears of unrest in the Iranian capital.

Residents said one of the most intense waves of attacks of the conflict occurred late Wednesday night. For the first time, some targets on open streets in densely populated areas were reportedly struck, according to local accounts.

Several checkpoints operated by Iranian security forces were also said to have been hit.

About 10 security personnel were killed on Wednesday evening, the Fars news agency reported, citing preliminary information.

Fars, which has close ties to the IRGC, also reported multiple explosions in Tehran and unspecified “clashes.”

The agency accused Israel’s foreign intelligence service, Mossad, of infiltrating operatives into the country.

In northern districts of Tehran near the Alborz Mountains, eyewitnesses reported heavy anti-aircraft fire after dark on Wednesday. The sound of drones was also heard above residential areas.

One resident said he feared the escalating strikes could lead to chaos in the city. “I am afraid of a civil war,” he said.