Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Iran will face consequences for its recent missile strikes targeting Israeli military facilities, escalating tensions between the two nations. In response, Tehran has warned that any retaliation by Israel or its allies will be met with "vast destruction," signalling a significant escalation in an already volatile region.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards issued a stark warning on Wednesday, stating that any Israeli response would trigger "crushing attacks" from Tehran. The missile barrage, which targeted multiple Israeli military bases, prompted Netanyahu to promise swift retribution, even as Iran claimed the attack was a defensive measure and concluded unless provoked further.
The Escalating Conflict: A Summary
Missile Barrage: Iran launched a series of missile attacks on Tuesday, targeting three military bases near Tel Aviv and key air and radar installations. According to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), "90 per cent" of the missiles successfully hit their intended targets, though no injuries have been reported by Israeli authorities.
Link to Hamas Leader's Assassination: Tehran attributed the missile strike to what it described as an "attack on the sovereignty" of Iran, referencing the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July. The Iranian government framed its military actions as defensive, undertaken only "after a period of restraint."
Warnings from Iran: Tehran has cautioned that any Israeli or allied retaliation would result in "vast destruction." The Iranian armed forces also warned other nations against intervening in the conflict, stating that their "interests in the region will also face a powerful attack."
Iran fires at least 180 missiles into Israel as regionwide conflict grows
Iran’s Stance: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a televised address, stated, "Iran is not a warmonger, but it firmly opposes any threats. This is merely a glimpse of our strength. Do not provoke Iran." He further added that Iran's missile strike was a "decisive response" to Israeli "aggression."
Israel’s Response and International Reactions
Following the Iranian missile strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delivered a firm warning, declaring, "Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it. Whoever attacks us, we attack them." Israel’s security cabinet convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday night to discuss the escalating situation. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has since ordered evacuations in parts of Lebanon, including Beirut, as it continues to strike suspected Hezbollah targets and pushes ahead with its ground incursion.
Meanwhile, the United States, which had previously warned of an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack, described the assault as "defeated and ineffective." White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also cautioned Tehran, warning of severe repercussions if the situation deteriorates further.
Aftermath of the Attack
Iran reportedly fired more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, targeting key airbases and the headquarters of the Israeli spy agency Mossad. Explosions were heard across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Jordan River Valley. Although Israel's military published footage of a school in the central city of Gadera heavily damaged by an Iranian missile, no injuries have been reported within Israel itself.
Israeli military warns several Lebanese communities near the border to evacuate
The IDF confirmed that its missile defence systems carried out "a large number of interceptions" to prevent further damage. The US stated it assisted in intercepting some of the missiles to help defend Israel. However, a Palestinian was reported killed in the occupied West Bank during the attacks, according to local authorities.
Context and Further Developments
Tuesday's attack by Iran followed Israel’s recent airstrikes that targeted Hezbollah’s leadership in Lebanon, killing several high-ranking members, including the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah has long been considered a proxy of Iran in the region, and the death of its senior figures has further inflamed the conflict between Israel and Iran.
The situation remains tense as both sides brace for further developments. Diplomatic efforts are underway, but with each side issuing threats of retribution, the likelihood of a broader conflict appears to be growing. The international community has urged restraint, but with both Tehran and Tel Aviv standing firm, the prospect of de-escalation seems increasingly remote.