Iran-Israel conflict: Iranian missiles strike Tel Aviv as some evade Israel’s air defences

Iranian missiles strike central Israel amid tensions

Israel has come under intense missile fire from Iran and Iran-backed forces, with several projectiles reportedly reaching central parts of the country. According to reports, a ballistic missile struck Tel Aviv after Iran launched a salvo aimed at central Israel.

The barrage has raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s air defence network as waves of missiles were reportedly fired towards the country. Witness accounts and videos circulating online suggested that some of the projectiles slipped past interception systems.

Footage shared on social media appeared to show parts of Tel Aviv engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke rising above the city’s skyline after the strikes. Additional impacts were also reported in Netanya and Petah Tikva, heightening concerns across central Israel as residents sought shelter.

Tel Aviv on fire & thick black smoke skyline as air defenses miss Iran missilesAdditional impacts reported in Netanya and Petah Tikva pic.twitter.com/h3ECoRaRzz

— RT (@RT_com) March 15, 2026

Videos circulating online showed civilians rushing to protected areas as sirens sounded and explosions echoed across the region, reflecting the scale of the attack and the tension gripping Israeli cities.

The latest strikes also come despite earlier reports suggesting that Iran’s missile stockpile had been significantly depleted. The barrage indicated that the remaining missiles were still capable of reaching key targets inside Israel.

BREAKING — Israel/Iran:Reports claim waves of Iranian missiles are striking Israel, challenging the effectiveness of its air defense systems. ⚠️ Footage circulating online suggests Tel Aviv is under intense threat, with civilians seeking shelter. pic.twitter.com/9Xd6SksdaQ

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— Iran TV (@QBC_QBC) March 15, 2026

In a separate development, a drone strike triggered a fire at the Lanaz refinery in Erbil in northern Iraq on Saturday. Authorities halted operations at the facility following the attack.

Israelis PANIC as interceptors can’t stop Iran shells pic.twitter.com/dWKjG4bAJL

— RT (@RT_com) March 15, 2026

According to officials from the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources, the fire was later brought under control, although refinery operations remain suspended. Videos shared online showed large flames and thick black smoke billowing from the site in the aftermath of the strike.

The incidents add to rising tensions across the region, where attacks have also been reported on American bases in several countries around the Persian Gulf.