As predicted by the United States, Iran has launched a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel’s military campaign against Tehran’s Hezbollah allies in Lebanon. Despite the attack, Israel has vowed to continue its operations and has promised a “painful response” to Iran. This escalation marks the feared regional conflict, which the international community has condemned, beginning to take shape.
U.S. Vows Support for Israel
In response to the Iranian missile strikes, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Israel. Speaking in Washington, Biden declared that the U.S. was prepared to help Israel defend itself against any further Iranian missile attacks. This statement aligns with the long-standing alliance between the two nations.
Missile Attacks and Immediate Aftermath
Alarms rang out across Israel as explosions were heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River Valley. Residents sought refuge in bomb shelters, while reporters broadcasting live from state television were seen lying flat on the ground as the attacks unfolded.
According to Israeli army radio, nearly 200 missiles were launched from Iran. Despite the intensity of the assault, Israel’s military later issued an all-clear signal, allowing residents to leave their shelters.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Threaten Further Action
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed that they had fired dozens of missiles at Israel. They warned that any retaliation from Israel would be met with an even “more crushing and ruinous” response. Israeli officials, however, were quick to issue counter-threats. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari, along with Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon, made it clear that Iran should expect significant repercussions.
“As we have previously made clear to the international community, any enemy that attacks Israel should expect a painful response,” Danon said.
Israeli Leadership Meets in Bunker
As the missile strikes unfolded, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers convened in a bunker near Jerusalem to assess the situation. The security cabinet was also scheduled to meet soon after, according to Israeli officials.
Remarkably, Israel reported no injuries from the missile strikes. However, the Palestinian civil defense authority reported one fatality in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with falling rocket debris causing damage and igniting fires near Jericho.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Gives the Order
A senior Iranian official revealed that the missile attack order came directly from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who remains in a secure location. Iran had notified Russia ahead of the attack and alerted the United States shortly before the missiles were launched, according to a second senior Iranian official.
Regional and Global Impact
The missile strikes were not confined to Israel alone. Reuters journalists witnessed missile interceptions in neighboring Jordan’s airspace. The attack has sparked global concern, with oil prices jumping by 5% amid fears of a broader conflict between Iran and Israel, two regional arch-enemies.
Bottom Line
This escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel threatens to ignite a broader regional war, with significant implications for the Middle East and global stability. The international community will be watching closely as both nations weigh their next moves in this highly volatile situation.
