Iran strikes Tel Aviv and Haifa as Israel-Iran tensions reach its fourth day

Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically on Monday as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa, leaving at least four dead and dozens injured. The unprecedented attack, reportedly involving more than 100 missiles, marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the two regional powers, triggering alarm among world leaders gathered at the G7 summit in Canada.

Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service confirmed the deaths of two men and two women, all around 70 years old, and said 87 others were injured in the strikes across central Israel. One of the most devastating impacts was reported in Petah Tikva, near Tel Aviv, where a residential building suffered heavy structural damage.

In the northern port city of Haifa, at least 30 people were wounded. Fires broke out near a local power plant following the strikes, with search and rescue operations underway, according to emergency authorities.

Iran’s state media said the strikes were retaliation for an Israeli attack last Friday that reportedly killed top Iranian military officials and damaged nuclear infrastructure. Among the dead was Mohammad Kazemi, the intelligence chief of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards. Iran claimed to have used a new missile strategy that confused Israeli air defences, though this assertion remains unverified.

The Israeli military has yet to issue an official response, but officials have acknowledged that the country’s air defence systems are not foolproof. Israel continues its offensive, with strikes late Sunday targeting missile launch sites and oil facilities in Iran, including a major blaze at a fuel depot near Tehran.

The violence comes amid growing international concern. G7 leaders, meeting in the Canadian Rockies, are prioritizing the Israel-Iran conflict. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, support Israel’s right to self-defence, and push for diplomatic solutions.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, ahead of the summit, expressed hope for a resolution but noted, “Sometimes they have to fight it out.” The U.S. reportedly helped intercept incoming missiles aimed at Israel, but Trump denied U.S. involvement in any offensive strikes and rejected Iranian claims of American participation.

Iran, however, has told mediators Qatar and Oman that it will not consider a ceasefire while under Israeli bombardment, dimming hopes for a near-term de-escalation. The situation remains volatile as both nations brace for further confrontation.