Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate after Iran fired barrage of missiles at Israel Tuesday evening, marking an escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel, which has been intensifying its offensive against Iran’s proxy Hizballah.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the “attack was in response to assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and targeted vital military & security targets.” Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said, “Iran’s action is concluded unless Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful.”
Israel said it intercepted a large number of the 180 ballistic missiles fired by Iran. There were isolated impacts in central & south Israel; two people were injured in Tel Aviv.
Describing the Iranian attack as a “significant escalation,” NSA Jake Sullivan said the US military “coordinated closely with Israeli air defense to shoot down the inbound missiles, adding, “this attack appears to have been defeated & ineffective.”
The US has pledged “ironclad” support for Israel. President Biden convened an emergency meeting with the national security team. The US has been deploying additional forces in the region.
A similar Iranian retaliation against Israel last April was limited in scope with both sides then indicating they did not want an escalation.
In recent weeks, Israel has intensified action against Hizbollah and sharpened rhetoric against Iran, with Netanyahu pledging to “change the balance of power in the region for years.” Iranian leaders have indicated they do not want to be drawn into a broader war adding they would not fall into Israel’s trap.
Iran has announced cancellation of all flights to and from Tehran airport. Brent crude rose almost 5%. Gold prices also rose, reports FT.
UN secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned “the broadening of the Middle East conflict. This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.”
The article has reference to open sources including Al Jazeera and FT. Image Source: The Mint