ISLAMABAD: Iranian forces have launched multiple waves of ballistic and hypersonic missiles targeting central Israel, including Tel Aviv, in a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Reports indicate that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps employed the Fattah-2 hypersonic glide vehicle during recent strikes under Operation True Promise 4.
This operation represents Tehran’s response to joint US-Israeli military actions initiated in late February 2026, which targeted Iranian leadership, nuclear facilities, and ballistic missile infrastructure.
The Fattah-2 missile, unveiled by Iran in recent years, is designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 and features maneuverability that challenges conventional air defense systems such as Israel’s Iron Dome and Arrow.
Analysts note that the missile’s hypersonic capabilities allow it to evade interception more effectively than traditional ballistic projectiles.
Footage and statements from Iranian sources claim successful impacts in Tel Aviv, with explosions reported in urban areas and near strategic sites including Ben Gurion International Airport.
Israeli authorities have confirmed incoming missile barrages, activating nationwide air raid sirens and directing civilians to shelters.
While many projectiles were intercepted by multilayered defenses including US Patriot systems, several reportedly penetrated, resulting in structural damage, fires, and debris in parts of the city.
Casualties remain unconfirmed in independent assessments, though social media visuals depict residents seeking cover amid interceptor launches and blasts.
The strikes follow a pattern of retaliatory exchanges that began after US and Israeli operations aimed at degrading Iran’s missile production and nuclear enrichment capabilities.
Since late February, combined forces have reportedly destroyed hundreds of Iranian missile launchers and targeted sites such as Natanz and other facilities.
Iran’s responses have included barrages involving Kheibar Shekan, Khorramshahr-4, and Fattah-series missiles, often combined with drones.
Military observers highlight that the use of hypersonic technology marks a notable advancement in Iran’s arsenal, potentially shifting regional deterrence dynamics.
Reports from defense publications suggest the Fattah-2 has achieved at least partial success against layered defenses in these engagements.
The conflict has intensified over the past week, with Iran launching multiple waves, some described as hybrid drone-missile attacks incorporating cluster munitions.
Israeli counterstrikes have focused on reducing Iran’s capacity for sustained barrages, including strikes on launch sites and production facilities.
The escalation raises concerns about broader regional involvement, including potential disruptions to global energy supplies through threats to maritime routes.
International monitoring bodies have noted damage to Iranian nuclear infrastructure, though full assessments remain pending.
Civilian impacts in Israel include repeated sheltering and disruptions in major population centers like Tel Aviv.
Iranian state media has portrayed the missile operations as precise and overwhelming, emphasizing the limitations of Western-supplied defense systems.
In contrast, Israeli military statements underscore high interception rates and ongoing efforts to neutralize threats.
The deployment of hypersonic weapons underscores Iran’s investment in asymmetric capabilities to counter superior air power.
Experts indicate that such systems complicate interception due to their speed and unpredictable trajectories during terminal phases.
The current phase of hostilities reflects a cycle of strikes and counterstrikes, with both sides claiming strategic gains.
Broader implications include heightened tensions across the Middle East and calls for de-escalation from various international actors.
As exchanges continue, the role of advanced missile technology in modern warfare becomes increasingly evident.
The situation remains fluid, with potential for further developments in the coming days.