Iran fires multiple waves of ballistic missiles at Israel after U.S.-Israeli strikes under Operation Roaring Lion, escalating tensions across West Asia.

The Iran–Israel confrontation intensified on its third day, with Tehran launching successive waves of ballistic missiles toward Israeli cities following large-scale U.S.-Israeli airstrikes over the weekend.

The escalation began after coordinated strikes—described as part of “Operation Roaring Lion”—reportedly targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, missile facilities and IRGC-linked sites. Iranian authorities confirmed heavy losses among senior leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials.

In response, Iran has fired repeated barrages ranging from nine to 30 missiles at a time since Saturday, alongside drone attacks attributed to allied groups such as Hezbollah. Projectiles were reported over Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. While Israel’s Iron Dome defence system intercepted a majority of incoming threats, some missiles broke through, causing casualties and property damage. Israeli officials reported at least nine deaths and over a hundred injuries.

Iran also expanded the scope of retaliation by striking U.S. bases in the Gulf, resulting in reported American military and civilian casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the initial strikes as a preemptive measure to halt Iran’s nuclear progress, while U.S. President Donald Trump signalled the possibility of further military action if attacks continue.

The widening theatre of conflict has raised concerns of a broader regional war, with global markets and oil supplies closely watching developments. Analysts caution that sustained missile exchanges risk drawing in additional state and non-state actors, complicating diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.