Iran’s State TV Says New Wave of Drone & Missile Attacks Hit Tel Aviv and Haifa

Iran’s State TV Reports New Wave of Drone & Missile Attacks on Tel Aviv and Haifa

June 17, 2025]

Iranian state-run television announced Monday that a new wave of drone and missile attacks is underway, targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa in Israel. The report comes amid an escalating military exchange between the two nations, marking the fourth straight day of intense strikes and counterstrikes.

🔴 What’s Happening?

Iran’s IRIB state TV confirmed that its armed forces launched simultaneous drone and missile salvos, explicitly aiming at key urban centers—Tel Aviv and Haifa—across central and northern Israel  . This comes shortly after Israel’s continued airstrikes in Iran, including a strike on Tehran’s state TV building during a live broadcast  .

The Strategic Context

This latest offensive is part of the deepening 2024–2025 Iran–Israel conflict, a rapid succession of coordinated military operations and covert actions:

• On June 13, Iran responded to Israeli strikes by launching over 150 ballistic missiles and 100+ drones, in what Iran called “Operation True Promise 3”  .
• Israel simultaneously conducted airstrikes across Tehran, targeting missile sites, Revolutionary Guard command centers, and critically damaging missile infrastructure—claiming control of Iranian airspace  .
• Covert operations also played a role: Israel’s Mossad reportedly smuggled and deployed drones inside Iran to sabotage missile systems ahead of the aerial campaign  .

This sprawling hybrid conflict has blurred the lines between traditional warfare and intelligence operations.

Impact and Casualties

• In Israel: Iran’s initial missile surge reportedly killed 8 civilians, with dozens wounded in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Oil facilities—like refineries and strategic infrastructure—have been struck  . Overall, at least 24 Israelis have died and over 500 injured amid this latest escalation  .
• In Iran: Israeli airstrikes have inflicted significant damage: over 220 fatalities, including numerous nuclear scientists and military personnel. Casualties also include civilians, with total deaths estimated in the 224+ range  . Some human rights groups warn the numbers could exceed 400 .

Tel Aviv and Haifa Under Fire

• Tel Aviv, Israel’s economic and cultural heart, was struck by missiles and drones, triggering air-raid sirens and temporarily halting daily life. Emergency services responded to damaged residential buildings .
• Haifa, a major northern port, also came under attack. A missile reportedly hit an oil refinery in Haifa Bay, causing casualties and infrastructural damage  .

Iranian State TV Hit Amid Airstrike

In a dramatic incident, Iranian state television’s live broadcast from Tehran was interrupted by an Israeli strike. A studio explosion forced the anchor off-camera, and live programming was abruptly cut  . Israel’s military justified the strike, claiming the building was used for military communications  .

Regional Power Plays & Global Reaction

• Gulf mediators: Oman and Qatar have reportedly been in diplomatic contact with Iran, though Tehran demands Israel cease its strikes before agreeing to talks  .
• United States: President Trump has vetoed Israeli plans to target Iran’s Supreme Leader and called for renewed nuclear talks, emphasizing that a deal could defuse mounting tensions  .
• Global concerns: G7 leaders have placed the crisis at the top of their agenda, warning that regional escalation could jeopardize global energy markets and security. Oil prices have shown sensitivity to developments .

A War at a Dangerous Inflection Point

1. Tactical innovation – The combined use of drones and ballistic missiles reflects a shift towards hybrid tactics and precision warfare.
2. Blurring civilian/military boundaries – Strikes on state-run TV and energy infrastructure raise serious concerns about civilian impact and proportionality.
3. Nuclear diplomacy at stake – Tehran has hinted it may reconsider its nuclear treaty commitments if Israel’s attacks continue  .
4. Regional spillover fears – Analysts warn neighboring states—like Lebanon, Jordan, and Yemen—could be drawn in as alliances and proxy networks respond .

What Comes Next?

• Ceasefire? Iran remains firm: no dialogue until Israel halts its aggression .
• Further retaliation? Tehran has vowed stronger responses if the cycle of strikes continues .
• Diplomacy’s window: Qatar and Oman might broker discussions—but any breakthrough requires a calibrated pause.
• Risk of regional war: With both sides jockeying for dominance, analysts warn the conflict could expand, drawing in global powers.

Bottom Line

The new round of drone and missile attacks reported by Iranian state TV targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa underscores how rapidly the Israel-Iran crisis is escalating. With civilian lives at risk, international alarm rising, and the fragile strand of nuclear diplomacy straining, the world is now watching hostage to a conflict with unpredictable and potentially far-reaching consequences.