Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel after the Zionist regime lit the blue touch paper with its overnight onslaughts on Iran, killing 78 people.

Earlier on Friday, Israel launched a vicious aerial attack, dropping over 330 munitions in a wave of high-profile assassinations, strikes on nuclear facilities, and bombings that led to the death of civilians.

Iran’s UN ambassador confirmed that 78 people were killed, with a further 320 wounded, including civilians.

The retaliatory attack from Iran came after the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameni said Israel’s deadly attacks would “bring it to ruin.”

By Friday evening, explosions were reported in Jerusalem, while black smoke was seen rising over Tel Aviv.

Witnesses saw bright orange flashes as Israel’s air defense systems struggled to intercept the incoming barrage. Israeli hospitals are reportedly treating 40 people, with at least two in critical condition.

“Moments ago, with the launch of hundreds of various ballistic missiles toward the occupied territories, the operation of decisive response to the savage attack of the Zionist regime has begun,” Iran’s official news agency, Irna, reported.

Earlier on Friday, Iran fired more than 100 drones towards Israel.

Israel’s initial attack deliberately targeted scientific leaders, including Dr. Fereydoun Abbasi, former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, and Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, a respected theoretical physicist. Both were reportedly assassinated in their own homes.

Among the dead were also IRGC senior commander Hossein Salami and several other military officials.

The attack damaged residential buildings across the capital. Images shared on social media and accounts from eyewitnesses and state television reporters confirmed that women and children were among the victims.