Iranian missiles have struck Israel's top military headquarters in central Tel Aviv, according to local and international media.
The Kirya compound — home to the Israeli military's central command and the Ministry of Defense — is often referred to as Israel's "Pentagon".
A strike could disrupt military coordination, intelligence operations, and decision-making processes.
Footage verified by The New York Times showed at least one missile reaching the area around Marganit Tower, a landmark adjacent to the Israeli military headquarters.
Videos showed interceptors firing into the sky, followed by a blast near the tower.
A video published by the Fox News shows significant damage at the site, with its correspondent Trey Yingst saying, "The Iranians have responded with three waves of ballistic missiles. This is Israel's version of the Pentagon, the Kirya, and the building on this compound was just hit."
"You can understand here it's very tense at this specific location," he says, "Because the Iranians are now targeting the defense establishment of Israel, and so I'm going to have my cameraman pan up here to this building just across the street."
NOW - Iran struck The Kirya compound, Israel's equivalent to the U.S. Pentagon, Fox News confirms. pic.twitter.com/BZULnckB0A
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) June 13, 2025
Rare instance of a missile attack
The intensity of the attack prompted Israeli military spokesman Effie Defrin to halt his press briefing prematurely.
While Defrin was taking questions at the Kirya headquarters in Tel Aviv, a loudspeaker announced that the base is going into "defensive standby", forcing the official to halt his press conference.
The Kirya compound is the nerve centre of Israel's military operations.
It houses Israeli military's General Staff and key command facilities, making it one of the country's most sensitive and heavily guarded sites.
8/ Iranian outlets claim two Israeli F-35s were shot down and a pilot captured. Still unconfirmed—fog of war—but if true, it's a major blow not just to Israel, but to the US, given claim of F-35 being the world’s most advanced fighter jet.
— Sina Toossi (@SinaToossi) June 13, 2025
Friday's strike by Iran on the compound is being seen as both a strategic and symbolic message from Iran.
The extent of the damage is still unclear, but the attack on Israel's top military hub, despite it being surrounded by missile defence systems, is raising fresh questions about the strength of Israel's air defence systems.
Local reports said no casualties were reported inside the Kirya itself, though nearby areas in Tel Aviv sustained damage and injuries.
The strike marks a rare instance of a missile penetrating deep into Israel's military heartland, underscoring the escalating nature of the current Israel-Iran confrontation.
___
Source: TRT