Iran Launches Missile Barrage Against Israel, Escalating Regional Tensions
Iran has launched approximately 180 missiles towards Israel in a significant attack marking the second offensive this year following a similar barrage in April. Israeli military officials reported that most missiles were intercepted, some struck Israeli territory causing damage to military bases, restaurants and schools.
The Iranian missile attack is said to be a retaliation for the killing of key Iranian figures including IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoshan and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that 90% of their projectiles hit their intended targets notably using hypersonic missiles for the first time.
While Israeli defenses including the Iron Dome and other advanced systems like David’s Sling and Arrow interceptors successfully thwarted most incoming missiles. The Palestinian civil defense authority reported one fatality in Jericho from falling debris.
In response to the missile strikes, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed support for Israel ordering military assistance to aid in missile interceptions. The Pentagon confirmed multiple interceptions by the U.S. Navy and UK forces reportedly assisted in defense efforts as well.
As tensions escalate, Netanyahu indicated that Iran would “pay for” this attack and warned of potential retaliation. Meanwhile, Iran’s IRGC threatened a more severe response should Israel retaliate. The Israeli military has also intensified air strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut issuing evacuation warnings to residents in affected areas.
