Iran fires fresh barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The escalating conflict in the Middle East reached a new intensity on Friday, as Iran launched another wave of ballistic missiles toward Israel, prompting immediate defensive measures across the country.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported detecting the incoming projectiles and confirmed that its multi-layered air defense systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow, were actively intercepting the threats.

“Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the IDF stated.

The military urged the public to seek shelter in protected spaces and remain there until all-clear instructions were given, with emergency alerts dispatched to mobile phones nationwide.

This latest barrage comes amid a broader war that began in late February 2026, when joint U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure, nuclear-related sites, command centers, and missile capabilities.

Iran has retaliated with repeated missile and drone attacks on Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf Arab states, though the volume and effectiveness of these strikes have significantly declined in recent days.

U.S. and Israeli officials have reported destroying hundreds of Iranian missile launchers and much of its air defense network, contributing to a reported 90% drop in Iranian missile fire since the conflict’s outset.

In Tehran, the Iranian capital, explosions rocked areas near the iconic Azadi Tower, a 50-meter landmark in the city’s west, close to an airport and often a site for national events.

Footage showed huge blasts and smoke rising in the vicinity, with reports of damage in surrounding areas. These incidents appear linked to ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting regime assets, including IRGC facilities and missile production sites in and around the capital.

The conflict has drawn in regional and international players. Iran’s missile barrages, which have also struck targets in Gulf states, have angered its neighbours and appear to be pushing them closer to the United States.

Gulf Arab countries, including Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, had previously resisted allowing U.S. strikes from their bases but are now reportedly reconsidering those restrictions amid frustration over the attacks.

Qatar’s Energy Minister warned that prolonged fighting could devastate global economies, predicting a potential shutdown of Gulf energy production within days and straining budgets for major investments in the U.S.

In response to the heightened threats, the United Kingdom announced reinforcements for its Middle East presence.

The Ministry of Defence stated that four additional Typhoon fighter jets are scheduled to arrive in Qatar overnight, bolstering defensive operations in the region.

This follows the recent delivery of Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone capabilities to Cyprus. UK jets, including F-35s and Typhoons, have been conducting air patrols over Qatar, Jordan, and the eastern Mediterranean in recent nights.

The war has caused significant casualties and destruction on multiple fronts, with Israeli strikes degrading Iran’s retaliatory capacity while Tehran vows continued resistance.