Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles at Israel; IDF Urges Civilians to Seek Shelter

Tel Aviv: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Saturday said it had detected the launch of ballistic missiles from Iran towards Israeli territory and instructed citizens to immediately move into safe rooms and other protected spaces.

The escalation comes amid sharply rising tensions in the Middle East following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran earlier in the day, fuelling fears of a wider regional conflict with major geopolitical and economic implications.

According to the IDF, warning sirens were expected to sound across several areas within minutes, alerting residents to the incoming threat. Citizens receiving alerts were advised to enter designated protected spaces without delay.

In a post on X, the IDF said: “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.”

The military stressed the need for strict adherence to official instructions. “The public is asked to act responsibly and follow the instructions—they save lives. Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice. Leaving a protected space is permitted only after receiving explicit instructions,” the statement added.

The IDF said its air defence systems were actively engaged. “At this time, the Israeli Air Force is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat,” it noted.

The situation remains fluid as defensive operations continue and authorities closely monitor developments.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington had initiated “major combat operations in Iran” earlier in the day, marking a dramatic escalation and intensifying concerns of a broader conflict in the volatile region.

With inputs from IANS