True Promise 3, wave 20: 40 missiles launched, Kheibar-Shekan in first

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Jun 2025 08:59
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In its first major response to US and Israeli airstrikes, Iran targets Ben Gurion Airport and military hubs with a new wave of ballistic missile attacks.

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Israeli workers survey the site where a missile launched from Iran struck in Haifa, on Sunday, June 22, 2025 (AP)

A new wave of Iranian ballistic missile strikes targeted central and northern parts of "Israel" on Sunday, marking the first such attack since US airstrikes hit Iran’s nuclear facilities on Sunday at dawn. Sirens were activated across multiple areas, with Israeli authorities urging settlers to remain in shelters.

According to the Israeli military, around 30 missiles were launched from Iran in two salvos toward Gush Dan and the north. On its part, Iranian state television reported strikes on at least 10 separate sites. Sirens were reportedly not activated in several areas, mainly Haifa, prior to impact, raising concerns over the entity's early warning system.

Water pipes in #Haifa have been severely damaged due to impact of #Iranian missiles in the area. pic.twitter.com/HCo0HL8iBp
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 22, 2025

Confirmed missile impacts were recorded in Haifa, Tel Aviv, Ness Ziona, Beer Yaakov, Ramla, and the settlement of Bat Yam, where a fire broke out in a residential building. In Haifa, one missile struck without any prior alert, prompting internal outrage over the failure of the alarm system.

#BREAKING | Sirens sounded across wide areas of occupied #Palestine, from its north to its south, following the detection of a launch of an #Iranian missile barrage.

This is the first strike by Iran since the #American aggression on #Iran this morning, which targeted three… pic.twitter.com/pfKf787Hw6
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 22, 2025

Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that over 20 missiles landed in various locations across the occupied territories.

Videos show utter destruction caused to a building in central "Israel" following the impact of #Iranian missiles.#Iran pic.twitter.com/08zIo5V7Ce
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 22, 2025

86 settlers injured as Iranian missiles hit central, northern "Israel"

Israeli media reported that medical teams are assessing the affected areas for damage and casualties. In a related development, Israeli media reported, citing Magen David Adom (MDA), that emergency responders are attending to at least 86 settlers injured in the Iranian ballistic missile strikes on central and northern "Israel", including some in critical condition. 30 injuries were reported in Tel Aviv alone.

MDA added that its teams are continuing to survey the reported impact sites, Israeli media reported.

More videos emerge showing smoke rising from impact sites of #Iranian missiles in occupied #Palestine pic.twitter.com/0gsRNOFom4
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 22, 2025

Israeli authorities instructed settlers in impacted areas to remain in shelters until further notice, particularly in Haifa and al-Jalil, where sirens were also triggered.

This missile campaign marks Iran’s first attack since the United States, in coordination with the Israeli occupation, launched airstrikes on the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, an action Tehran has condemned as illegal and escalatory.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Israeli military's spokesperson called on the public and media to refrain from sharing footage or images of the impact zones. Despite this, footage continued to come in from the impacted areas, showcasing the massive destruction. Emergency teams and military units remain on high alert as the situation continues to unfold, as per Israeli media.

Wave 20 of Operation True Promise 3 launched: IRGC

Simultaneously, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of the 20th wave of Operation True Promise 3, targeting key sites across the occupied territories with a combination of long-range ballistic missiles utilizing advanced strike tactics.

IRGC spokesperson Major General Naeini announced that the latest phase of the operation employed missiles powered by both liquid and solid propellants, equipped with high-impact warheads and enhanced features specifically designed to bypass enemy air defense systems.

The IRGC confirmed that the targets struck during this wave included Ben Gurion Airport, a biological research facility, and command, control, and logistical support bases at multiple levels.

Naeini described the operation as a continued part of Iran’s strategic military response to the coordinated aggression by the United States and the Israeli occupation.

IRGC details Wave 20 of Operation True Promise 3, unveils advanced missile tactics

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has released new details regarding the 20th wave of Operation True Promise 3, confirming the launch of 40 ballistic missiles with enhanced capabilities and unveiling the use of a new generation of weaponry.

In an official statement, the IRGC announced that the latest round of missile strikes involved both solid- and liquid-fueled ballistic missiles, marking a tactical escalation in Iran’s military response to recent US and Israeli aggression.

Significantly, the operation featured the first combat deployment of the third-generation Kheibar-Shekan multi-warhead ballistic missile, a development the IRGC described as a major advancement in strike capabilities.

According to the statement, the missiles used in this wave were equipped with highly destructive, maneuverable warheads capable of being guided all the way to impact. The IRGC noted that the warheads are designed to penetrate enemy defenses and detonate with devastating effect.

“We have adopted new and surprising tactics to achieve more precise, destructive, and effective strikes,” the IRGC stated, adding that the use of advanced guidance and terminal maneuverability caught the enemy off guard.

In a notable assertion, the IRGC said that air raid sirens in the targeted areas sounded only after the missiles had already hit their targets, contributing to confusion and disruption among enemy forces. The timing, they said, caused “the enemy to lose its balance.”

The IRGC concluded by emphasizing that the full strength of Iran’s military capabilities has not yet been revealed. “The most significant capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in this sacred defense have not yet been deployed,” the statement warned.