Explosions reported in Haifa, Beersheba, and Jerusalem as Iran launches retaliatory strikes

Iran launched a fresh round of retaliatory missile and drone strikes against Israel on Friday evening, with reported impacts near Haifa and north of Beersheba, while explosions were also heard in Jerusalem. Israeli authorities ordered residents to seek shelter as the attacks unfolded.

The escalation follows recent Israeli strikes on Iranian soil, which Tehran has condemned as unprovoked aggression, asserting that it had no choice but to defend its sovereignty and security.

As part of its response, Iran targeted locations within the occupied Palestinian territories, framing the attacks as necessary retaliation against what it described as criminal actions by the Zionist regime.

Despite facing military retaliation from Iran, Israeli leadership has issued warnings to Iranian civilians, urging them to evacuate certain areas.

In response, large crowds across Iran gathered for Friday prayers and nationwide rallies, sending a unified message of resilience and defiance.

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"The Iranian people will stand firm in defense of their homeland. They will not flee, nor will they surrender," demonstrators declared, according to local media reports.

The situation in the region remains volatile, with both sides exchanging threats as international calls for de-escalation intensify.