Iran fired 181 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, causing nationwide air raid sirens and leading almost 10 million Israelis to seek refuge in bomb shelters. The IDF announced that a significant number of the missiles were stopped by Israel’s advanced missile defense systems, such as the Iron Dome and Arrow systems. Nevertheless, some projectiles were able to break through the defense shield, resulting in slight damage and minor injuries.
Iran justifies missile attack as a reaction to “attack on the sovereignty”
Iran justified that the missile strike was a reaction to what it deemed as “attack on the sovereignty”, citing the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July. The Iranian government described its military operations as defensive, stating that they came after a “period of restraint.”
In a warning to Israel, Iranian officials stated that any retaliatory actions would result in “vast destruction.” The Iranian armed forces also cautioned other nations against intervening, declaring that their “interests in the region will also face a powerful attack” if provoked.
Also read: PM Modi speaks to Netanyahu; expresses concern over Middle East tensions
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the gravity of the situation, asserting that a strong reaction had been given to what he labeled as Israeli “aggression.” He advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to understand that while Iran is not seeking war, it will not stand for threats, stating, “This is just a small display of our power. Avoid provoking Iran.”
Netanyahu condemns the attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, stating that Iran had made a “big mistake” and warned Tehran that it “will pay for it.”
The missile barrage is Iran’s second direct strike on Israel in 2021, after a similar assault in April that was swiftly stopped by Israeli and allied defenses. Iranian officials said that Tuesday’s attacks were in response to the recent deaths of senior Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Israeli military actions.
Also read: Lebanon urges ceasefire with Israel as strikes at Houthi targets continue
US warns of severe consequences
Following the attack, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a strong caution to Iran, warning that the missile attack represented a “significant escalation” and that there would be “severe consequences.” At a White House press briefing, Sullivan promised that the US would support Israel and back any retaliatory actions.
