In retaliation for a series of Israeli attacks that led to the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian commander Abbas Nilforoushan, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) launched hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting Isra-eli military sites in the occupied territories on Tuesday.
The operation involved the use of Ghadr and Emad ballistic missiles, along with the advanced Fattah hypersonic missiles, Fottages of impacts reveal that atleast90 percent of the missiles successfully striked their intended targets. There have been no reports of casualties so far, but Israeli media indicates that the missile barrage caused significant damage to key military and intelligence facilities in the occupied territories.
Iran’s defense minister has pledged a “far more severe” response should Israel choose to retaliate against the Islamic Republic’s recent actions countering Tel Aviv’s aggression.
“If the Zionist regime dares to respond, our next actions will be significantly harsher, and we will utilize a more advanced array of missiles at our disposal,” Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh stated on Tuesday.
How have global leaders responded to the Iranian attack?
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran had “made a grave error” and would “face consequences.” Israel’s UN envoy, Danny Danon, reiterated that Israel “will take all necessary measures to protect its citizens,” adding that any adversary attacking Israel should expect a strong response.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian characterized the attack as a “decisive response” to Israeli “aggressions,” emphasizing that while Iran does not seek war, it will “stand firmly against any threat.” He cautioned Israel against provoking further conflict with Iran.
- Mohammad Javad Zarif, strategic adviser to Pezeshkian, defended Iran’s actions, stating that the nation has the “right of self-defense” against repeated Israeli attacks on its territory and people.
- Hamas praised the Iranian strike as “heroic,” asserting that it delivered a “clear message” to Israel, which they accused of terrorism.
- The United States reaffirmed its unwavering support for Israel, with President Joe Biden pledging full backing. The Pentagon highlighted discussions between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant regarding potential “severe consequences” for Iran if it directly attacked Israel, though specifics were not disclosed.
- Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned Iran against “dangerous escalation,” cautioning that it was pushing the region “closer to the brink.”
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the escalating conflict, calling for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further destabilization in the region.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that Israel is “fully prepared to defend and respond” to the Iranian attack, emphasizing that the response would come at an “appropriate time.” White House adviser Jake Sullivan informed reporters that the Biden administration has “clearly communicated that there will be significant consequences for this attack” by Iran, and the US “will collaborate with Israel to ensure that happens.”
