Iran activated air defense systems across several cities on Sunday night to intercept a fresh wave of Israeli attacks, following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Flashes from air defense fire lit up the sky in the capital Tehran, accompanied by the sound of explosions.
According to China Media Group (CMG) correspondent Husein Nematzad, there had been no major incidents throughout the day until around 21:30 local time, when the sound of air defense operations became increasingly frequent in Tehran.
"It's about 10 p.m. in Tehran. We're hearing the air defense activities. It's almost close to us. It's over our building."
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said in a statement on Sunday that it had carried out the 20th wave of strikes under Operation True Promise-3, firing over 40 missiles at multiple targets inside Israel.
Among the weapons used was the "Castle Buster" multiwarhead ballistic missile, marking its first use in the conflict. Targets reportedly included Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, biological research facilities, and Israeli command and control centers, the statement said.
According to previous Iranian media reports, the Castle Buster is as a medium-range ballistic missile with an estimated range of 1,450 kilometers. It is equipped with advanced guidance systems designed to evade missile defense and can carry either conventional or potentially unconventional warheads.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Sunday that it launched strikes earlier in the day on four locations inside Iran, targeting missile launch sites and drone facilities.
The statement said that around 30 fighter jets, guided by military intelligence, carried out precision strikes using 60-plus munitions against dozens of military targets.
Iranian media, citing military sources, reported that Israeli strikes on two military sites in Yazd killed seven members of the IRGC and two Iranian soldiers.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday on Truth Social that the United States has completed attack on three nuclear sites in Iran, including "Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan."
The attacks came as Israel has since June 13 launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and a large number of civilians.
Iran has retaliated Israel's attacks with missile and drone strikes. As of Saturday, more than 400 Iranians have been killed and over 3,000 wounded, according to Iran's Health Ministry. In Israel, the death toll stands at 24, according to local authorities.
Iran activates air defense to intercept new Israeli attacks
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
