Iran Fires Over 180 Missiles at Israel in Major Escalation of Regional Tensions
In a significant escalation of regional conflict, Iran has launched over 180 ballistic missiles towards Israel, prompting millions of Israelis to seek shelter as explosions lit up the night skies over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Paramedics reported that two individuals sustained minor injuries from shrapnel.
The Israeli military stated that, with U.S. assistance, most of the missiles were intercepted, although some struck targets within Israel. The military condemned the missile barrage as a “dangerous escalation” and warned of serious repercussions.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the strikes successfully hit their intended targets and asserted the action was a retaliation for the recent killings of key figures from their allied groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as a prominent Iranian general.
The U.S. characterized the missile attack as “defeated and ineffective,” and indicated ongoing consultations with Israel regarding an appropriate response. The United Nations Secretary-General condemned the growing conflict in the Middle East, urging for an immediate ceasefire.
The missile strikes coincided with an Israeli military operation targeting what it described as “Hezbollah terror targets” in southern Lebanon, following a year of escalating cross-border tensions initiated by the war with Hamas in Gaza. The objective of Israel’s offensive is to ensure the safe return of displaced residents in border areas threatened by ongoing Hezbollah attacks.
Air raid sirens blared throughout Israel around 19:30 local time, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned of incoming missiles. Shortly thereafter, loud explosions echoed across Jerusalem as Israeli air defense systems engaged the missiles. Video footage shared on social media captured the scenes of chaos, displaying trails of light as the missiles were intercepted and detonated.
About an hour later, the IDF announced the all-clear, indicating that no further aerial threats from Iran had been detected. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reported that while the majority of missiles were intercepted, some did land in central and southern Israel.
Hagari emphasized the severity of Iran’s attack, declaring it a “severe and dangerous escalation” that would have consequences. He affirmed that Israel’s military readiness is at its peak, with operational plans prepared for any response as dictated by the Israeli government.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed no damage to Israel’s military infrastructure was reported and condemned the attack as a significant escalation. He cautioned that severe consequences would follow, with the U.S. committed to collaborating with Israel on the response.
The IRGC claimed the missile assault targeted “sensitive security and military” sites in what they termed “the heart of the occupied territories.” They justified their actions as a legitimate defense against Israel’s aggression and highlighted their commitment to retaliate against any Israeli responses.
As tensions escalate, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reassured the public in a video statement, affirming their resolve in the fight against Iran’s “axis of evil.”
In response to the escalating conflict, the U.S. military’s Central Command has deployed additional fighter aircraft to the Middle East and has ordered a carrier strike group to remain in the region to deter further aggression.
Previously, in April, Iran launched a similar missile barrage in retaliation for a deadly strike that killed several of its commanders. In that instance, the majority of the missiles were intercepted.
With Iran pledging revenge for the recent loss of key allies and promising ongoing retaliation, the situation remains tense, underscoring the complexities of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and their allies across the Middle East.In a significant escalation of regional conflict, Iran has launched over 180 ballistic missiles towards Israel, prompting millions of Israelis to seek shelter as explosions lit up the night skies over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Paramedics reported that two individuals sustained minor injuries from shrapnel.
The Israeli military stated that, with U.S. assistance, most of the missiles were intercepted, although some struck targets within Israel. The military condemned the missile barrage as a “dangerous escalation” and warned of serious repercussions.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the strikes successfully hit their intended targets and asserted the action was a retaliation for the recent killings of key figures from their allied groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as a prominent Iranian general.
The U.S. characterized the missile attack as “defeated and ineffective,” and indicated ongoing consultations with Israel regarding an appropriate response. The United Nations Secretary-General condemned the growing conflict in the Middle East, urging for an immediate ceasefire.
The missile strikes coincided with an Israeli military operation targeting what it described as “Hezbollah terror targets” in southern Lebanon, following a year of escalating cross-border tensions initiated by the war with Hamas in Gaza. The objective of Israel’s offensive is to ensure the safe return of displaced residents in border areas threatened by ongoing Hezbollah attacks.
Air raid sirens blared throughout Israel around 19:30 local time, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned of incoming missiles. Shortly thereafter, loud explosions echoed across Jerusalem as Israeli air defense systems engaged the missiles. Video footage shared on social media captured the scenes of chaos, displaying trails of light as the missiles were intercepted and detonated.
About an hour later, the IDF announced the all-clear, indicating that no further aerial threats from Iran had been detected. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reported that while the majority of missiles were intercepted, some did land in central and southern Israel.
Hagari emphasized the severity of Iran’s attack, declaring it a “severe and dangerous escalation” that would have consequences. He affirmed that Israel’s military readiness is at its peak, with operational plans prepared for any response as dictated by the Israeli government.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed no damage to Israel’s military infrastructure was reported and condemned the attack as a significant escalation. He cautioned that severe consequences would follow, with the U.S. committed to collaborating with Israel on the response.
The IRGC claimed the missile assault targeted “sensitive security and military” sites in what they termed “the heart of the occupied territories.” They justified their actions as a legitimate defense against Israel’s aggression and highlighted their commitment to retaliate against any Israeli responses.
As tensions escalate, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reassured the public in a video statement, affirming their resolve in the fight against Iran’s “axis of evil.”
In response to the escalating conflict, the U.S. military’s Central Command has deployed additional fighter aircraft to the Middle East and has ordered a carrier strike group to remain in the region to deter further aggression.
Previously, in April, Iran launched a similar missile barrage in retaliation for a deadly strike that killed several of its commanders. In that instance, the majority of the missiles were intercepted.
With Iran pledging revenge for the recent loss of key allies and promising ongoing retaliation, the situation remains tense, underscoring the complexities of the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and their allies across the Middle East.