On Wednesday, Israel warned of retaliation after Iran launched a missile strike targeting its territory. Iran cautioned it would attack “all infrastructure” within Israel if provoked further.
The missile attack, which occurred late Tuesday, saw most of the missiles intercepted, but Israel promised swift and forceful retaliation throughout the Middle East.
Israeli officials vowed that Iran would “pay” for the aggression, while U.S. President Joe Biden expressed full support for Israel, stating discussions were underway regarding a potential response.
Iran’s state media reported that 200 missiles, including hypersonic ones, were fired, aiming at military bases near Tel Aviv and other locations.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards stated the attack was in retaliation for the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, an act widely attributed to Israel.
Though injuries were minimal, with two Israelis wounded by shrapnel, a Palestinian in Jericho was killed by falling rocket debris.
This marks Iran’s second direct attack on Israel, following an April missile and drone strike after an Israeli air raid on Iran’s consulate in Damascus.
U.S. officials condemned the missile strike, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin labeling it an “outrageous act of aggression.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Iran had made a grave mistake and would face consequences. In response, Iran threatened to escalate the conflict further if attacked.
Following the missile strike, Israel launched air raids on Hezbollah positions in southern Beirut. The conflict has drawn widespread international concern, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
Amid growing tensions, Israeli forces continued military operations against Hezbollah targets, while Iran-backed groups across the region became increasingly involved in the conflict.
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