Iran launched a large-scale missile attack against Israel on Tuesday, firing approximately 200 missiles, with dozens targeting the cities of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
This offensive, coordinated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other key figures.
Iranian officials declared the attack a direct response to the Israeli strikes in Lebanon, where Israel had launched a ground operation targeting Hezbollah, a militant group supported by Tehran. The IRGC confirmed that Israeli security and military sites were the primary targets.
The Israeli military, which initially reported the launch of around 180 missiles, has vowed swift retaliation. “Iran’s actions tonight will have serious consequences,” warned Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari, as he confirmed that Israel’s air defense systems, in cooperation with the U.S., successfully intercepted many of the incoming missiles.
Hagari also indicated that Israeli forces were preparing for a powerful counterstrike in the region later that night, with the Israeli Air Force poised to respond decisively.
“We are prepared to strike powerfully in the Middle East,” he added, reinforcing Israel’s intent to defend its territory and escalate if necessary.
According to Israeli security officials, while many of the missiles were intercepted, some struck targets, and damage assessments are ongoing. Tehran has warned that additional attacks will follow if Israel retaliates.
In response to the attack, the U.S. confirmed its role in defending Israeli airspace. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder disclosed that U.S. Navy destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean, including the USS Bulkeley and USS Cole, deployed interceptors to defend Israel from the barrage.
He also noted that this attack was twice the size of Iran’s missile strike in April, underscoring its seriousness.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reaffirming America’s commitment to Israel’s defense. The U.S. remains strategically positioned in the Middle East to counter threats from Iran and its allies, Ryder said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the missile strike, describing it as a necessary move to safeguard Iran’s interests and citizens. In a stern message, he warned that this was just a glimpse of Iran’s military capabilities.
Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel that future attacks would be “stronger and more painful.”
The international community has condemned the attack. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken labeled Iran’s missile offensive as “unacceptable,” urging global condemnation. He praised Israel’s defense systems for successfully thwarting much of the missile threat.
The escalation in tensions has drawn widespread concern over the potential for further conflict, with both sides bracing for what could be a prolonged period of retaliation and counter-attacks.