Iran launched a salvo of missiles and drones targeting Israeli land late Saturday night, escalating Middle Eastern tensions significantly. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the incident, which was the country’s first direct assault on Israeli soil. While causing minimal damage, the strike injured a seven-year-old girl and hit an Israeli military base in southern Israel.
The strike, which prompted air raid sirens in numerous Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem, was apparently in retribution for a previous attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, which Israel is accused of carrying out. In response to the attack that killed 12 Iranian People and two generals of IRGC, Iran has retaliated with the operation, named “True Promise,” sought to punish what Iran called “the Zionist entity’s crime.”
The IRGC’s acknowledgment of the attack heightened concerns about further escalation in the region, which is already stressed by Israel’s conflict with Gaza and recent tensions with Lebanon and Syria. Prior to the strike, neighbouring nations such as Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon briefly restricted their airspace, while Syria stepped up its air defences.
Following the Iranian assault, the United States, United Kingdom, France, and other countries condemned Iran’s actions. The UN Security Council convened an emergency session at Israel’s request to discuss the worsening situation.
During a discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment for Israel’s security. Biden emphasised Israel’s ability to defend itself against such threats, resembling the comments made by other Western leaders. Biden said he told the Israel Prime Minister that “Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,” Biden said.
In response to the attack, Israel swore to defend itself and win. The Pentagon promised Israel that the United States will fully support it against any dangers posed by Iran and its affiliates.
Meanwhile, analysts warned against further escalation, fearing the consequences, especially in Gaza. While experts saw Iran’s attack as a cautionary planned measure to reestablish deterrence, they cautioned that it could worsen the regional situation.
The unfolding events highlighted the precarious nature of the Middle East, with tensions between Iran and Israel raising fears of greater conflict and instability.
The situation remains volatile, with diplomatic attempts underway to reduce tensions and prevent any violence in the region.
