A deadly night of warfare unfolded between Israel and Iran as both countries launched retaliatory air strikes, marking one of the most serious escalations in their long-standing hostilities. At least two civilians have been killed and dozens more injured in the violence.

The confrontation began Friday with Israeli air strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and missile installations, according to military sources. In retaliation, Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles into Israeli territory overnight, triggering mass shelter alerts and widespread panic.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that several high-value Iranian military sites were hit, including facilities where three senior commanders were reportedly killed. Iran later acknowledged the deaths of six nuclear scientists in the Israeli attacks.

Missiles struck various parts of Israel throughout the night. Air raid sirens echoed across central and northern cities, sending residents rushing to shelters. At least two fatalities and multiple injuries have been confirmed as a result of the strikes.

BBC correspondent Ione Wells, reporting from the region, described scenes of chaos, including an explosion near Jerusalem and rising smoke over Tel Aviv. “People are shaken. The tension is unmistakable,” she reported early Saturday.

Iranian state media condemned the Israeli assault as “a declaration of war,” while Israeli officials defended the operation as a preemptive strike against what they claim were active threats from Iran’s missile program.

The international community has reacted with alarm. Diplomats from the United Nations and several Western governments have called for immediate de-escalation, warning that the conflict risks spiraling into a broader regional war.