In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Iran launched a direct attack on Israel early Saturday evening, firing hundreds of missiles and drones. This marks the first time Iran has directly attacked Israel from its territory. World leaders have expressed condemnation for the attack and urged both sides to de-escalate the situation.
In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Iran launched a major direct attack on Israel early Saturday evening, firing hundreds of missiles and drones in what marks the first direct assault by Iran on Israeli soil.
The barrage, dubbed “Operation True Promise” by Iran, targeted various locations across Israel. Details on the extent of damage and casualties remain unclear at this time.
Israeli air defense systems, bolstered by support from the United States, Jordan, and Britain, intercepted a significant portion of the incoming threats before they could reach populated areas. However, reports indicate that some missiles and drones breached the defenses, causing damage and potential casualties.
This unprecedented attack comes two weeks after a suspected Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that killed 13 people. Iran has blamed Israel for the consulate strike and vowed retaliation.
International Response
The international community is calling for an immediate de-escalation of the situation. World leaders are urging both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further actions that could ignite a wider conflict.
Western countries condemned Iran’s missile and drone assault, including the US, the UK, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Mexico, the Netherlands and Norway. Egypt and Saudi Arabia called for restraint, while the UN Security Council scheduled an emergency session to discuss the matter at Israel’s request.
“What the Iranians are trying to do is to come up with a measured, calculated attack in order to regain deterrence and not to be seen as weak in front of their own proxies,” said Hassan Barari, professor of international relations at the University of Qatar.
However, he expressed worry that the attack could worsen the situation in Gaza.
“I know some right-wing politicians in the government will see this as an opportunity because the world’s attention has shifted onto Iran-Israel and then they can do something probably horrendous in Gaza,” he said.
This developing story will be updated as further information becomes available.
