Iran Launches Unprecedented Missile Assault on Israel, Escalating Middle East Tensions
In a dramatic escalation of the long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran, Tehran unleashed a massive barrage of over 400 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday. This unprecedented attack has heightened fears of a potential full-scale war in the Middle East.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the assault, stating it was in retaliation for the recent killings of top Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh. The IRGC warned of further "crushing" attacks if Israel dared to respond.
According to the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), approximately 180 projectiles were fired at the country. Israel's air defense systems were swiftly activated to intercept the incoming threats. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, some missiles did land in central and southern Israel. Minor injuries were reported, including two people lightly wounded by shrapnel in Tel Aviv.
The attack triggered widespread emergency responses across Israel, with millions seeking shelter as sirens wailed throughout the country. The IOF instructed residents to remain vigilant and follow the guidelines of the Home Front Command. As a precautionary measure, Israel temporarily closed its airspace, redirecting flights to alternate destinations.
The United States, which had previously warned of an imminent Iranian attack, strongly condemned the missile strikes. President Joe Biden ordered the US military to aid Israel's defense and shoot down incoming Iranian missiles. The White House emphasized that a direct attack on Israel would carry "severe consequences" for Iran.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant prior to the attack, stressing Washington's readiness to defend its allies and interests in the region. Austin warned of serious ramifications should Iran choose to escalate further.
The missile strike came just a day after Israel launched a rare ground offensive in southern Lebanon, aimed at crippling Hezbollah positions in the border region. Tensions have been rising for weeks amid intensive Israeli airstrikes that resulted in hundreds of casualties, including several top Hezbollah and Hamas leaders.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the "escalation after escalation" in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire. Several regional countries, including Jordan and Iraq, temporarily suspended air traffic in response to the attack.
As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic channels. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this latest flare-up will lead to a wider conflict or if cooler heads will prevail in this volatile region.