Iran launched a significant attack on Israel by sending hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles directly from its own territory. This action represents a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict between these two nations. Israel’s military reported that Iran sent 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles, resulting in minor damage to an air base.
Following the attack, US President Joe Biden stated that America assisted Israel in intercepting “almost all” of the incoming drones and missiles. This announcement came after Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a phone call in response to the Iranian assault.
The tension between Iran and Israel had intensified since an airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Syria on April 1, which Tehran blamed on Israel. Israel has not officially commented on its involvement in the incident.
Iran Warns of Retaliation Against US Bases
Iran has cautioned the US that it will strike US bases if America supports Israel’s response. This warning was conveyed through Switzerland.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that while the US aims to avoid conflict with Iran, it will stand by Israel’s defense.
On Sunday, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles towards Israel, with many being intercepted. This action was in response to Israel’s alleged airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
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Top Updates on Israel-Iran Conflict
US Intercepts Missiles and Drones:
The United States military reported intercepting numerous missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) directed at Israel from multiple countries in the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pledged continued support for Israel’s defense and regional stability. He strongly condemned these attacks, calling them reckless and unprecedented, and urged Iran to immediately cease further aggression, including through its proxy forces, to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Biden’s Response and Diplomatic Efforts:
President Joe Biden denounced Iran’s assault on Israeli territory and announced plans to convene a meeting with leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) nations to craft a diplomatic response. He emphasized the gravity of the attacks, which originated from Iran and its proxies in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, targeting Israeli military installations.
Biden reassured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the unwavering support of the United States for Israel’s security, acknowledging Israel’s effective defense against these unprecedented attacks.
Israel’s Successful Defense and Planned Response:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel successfully intercepted and repelled the attack, expressing confidence in Israel’s collective ability to overcome such threats. Reports suggest that Israel is preparing a significant response to the aggression, signaling a determination to safeguard its national security interests.
Seriousness of Iran’s Actions:
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), characterized Iran’s actions as extremely grave, escalating tensions in the region. According to Hagari, Iran launched a barrage of ten cruise missiles and other projectiles, all of which were neutralized before causing damage within Israeli territory.
Iran’s Justification and Warning:
Iran justified the strikes as retaliation for perceived “Israeli crimes” and issued a warning that further provocations from Israel would elicit even more severe responses. Iranian authorities asserted that the matter was now concluded from their perspective.
International Condemnation:
The international community, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Mexico, Netherlands, and Norway, collectively condemned Iran’s aggressive actions against Israel, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.
Israeli Defense Success and Continued Vigilance:
Hagari highlighted Israel’s success in intercepting 99% of the threats launched by Iran, deeming it a significant achievement. He reiterated Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens and suggested that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure their safety.
Acknowledgment of Support and Ongoing Campaign:
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed gratitude for the support received from the United States but cautioned that the campaign against aggression was far from over. Despite sustaining minor damages, Israel managed to repel the initial wave of attacks, demonstrating its resilience in the face of adversity.
Iran’s Warning to the US:
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a stern warning to the United States, cautioning against any actions perceived as harmful to Iran’s interests. They threatened decisive and regrettable retaliation by Iran’s armed forces in response to any perceived support for such actions.
India’s Concerns and Call for De-escalation:
India voiced serious concerns regarding the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, emphasizing the threat posed to regional peace and security. The Ministry of External Affairs urged all parties to exercise restraint, step back from violence, and prioritize diplomatic solutions to resolve the conflict peacefully.
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FAQs
Q.1. What sparked the recent escalation between Israel and Iran?
Ans. The tension escalated following an Iranian assault on Israeli territory, prompting US support for Israel’s defense.
Q.2. How did the US respond to the conflict?
Ans. The US intercepted incoming threats and pledged support for Israel while aiming to avoid direct conflict with Iran.
Q.3. What was Israel’s response to the attack?
Ans. Israel successfully defended against the assault and is reportedly preparing a significant response.
Q.4. What international reaction has the conflict received?
Ans. Many countries condemned Iran’s aggression, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and diplomacy.
Q.5. What are India’s concerns regarding the conflict?
Ans. India expressed serious concerns about the threat to regional peace and called for restraint and diplomatic solutions.
