JERUSALEM/BEIRUT: Iran announced early Wednesday that its missile strike on Israel had concluded, unless provoked further, escalating tensions as both Israel and the U.S. vowed to respond decisively to Iran’s provocative actions. The potential for a broader conflict in the region continues to rise.
The United States reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with Israel, ensuring that Iran faces “severe consequences” for the attack carried out on Tuesday.
In response to the escalating situation, the United Nations Security Council convened a meeting regarding the Middle East, while the European Union urgently called for an immediate ceasefire.
“Our action is finished unless the Israeli regime chooses to provoke further retaliation. In such a scenario, our response will be stronger,” stated Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
In retaliation, Israel renewed its bombardment of southern Beirut, Hezbollah’s stronghold, executing at least three strikes against targets affiliated with the group. Smoke filled the skies as new evacuation orders were issued for the area, which had already seen significant evacuations following days of heavy shelling.
In a historic military offensive, Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday. Sirens blared nationwide, and explosions were reported in Jerusalem and the Jordan River Valley, prompting citizens to seek shelter.
No injuries were recorded in Israel, although one casualty occurred in the occupied West Bank. Iran characterized the missile strikes as a defensive measure targeting Israeli military facilities, with reports indicating that three Israeli military bases were hit.
Iran justified the strikes as a response to Israeli military actions against its leaders and aggression towards Hezbollah in Lebanon and Gaza. Israeli air defenses intercepted a significant portion of the incoming missiles, with Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari describing Iran’s attack as a dangerous escalation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed a strong response, stating that Iran “made a big mistake” and would be held accountable. Iran’s military authorities warned that any Israeli retaliation would result in widespread destruction of Israeli infrastructure and threats to the regional allies of Israel.
Concerns of a regional war intensified with Israel’s ongoing offensive in Lebanon and its year-long conflict in Gaza. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed a 90% success rate in striking their intended targets in Israel, utilizing hypersonic Fattah missiles for the first time.
Additionally, U.S. Navy ships launched interceptors to defend against Iranian missiles headed for Israel, demonstrating international support for Israel’s defense operations. President Biden expressed unwavering support for Israel, condemning the Iranian attacks as ineffective, while Vice President Harris reiterated the U.S. commitment to safeguard its interests in the region.
U.S. officials made it clear that they do not advocate for restraint from Israel, with the Pentagon noting the substantial scale of Tuesday’s airstrikes compared to previous assaults. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the cycle of escalation and emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside leaders from Germany and France, underscored the importance of restraint from all parties involved in this unfolding crisis.
Recent statistics reveal that nearly 1,900 individuals have lost their lives and over 9,000 have been injured in Lebanon following nearly a year of cross-border clashes, with many casualties occurring in the past two weeks.
