Drones, Missiles rain down on Israel from Iran as WW III looms

Late on Saturday, Iran launched a direct attack on Israeli territory, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

The retaliatory strike, which involved explosive drones and missiles, has heightened the threat of a wider regional conflict. The United States promptly pledged “ironclad” backing for Israel in the aftermath of the attack.

Sirens blared across Israel as explosions echoed in the distance, with Reuters journalists reporting heavy thuds and bangs from what local media described as aerial interceptions of explosive drones. Tragically, a 7-year-old girl was critically injured in the attack.

According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesperson, Iran launched dozens of ground-to-ground missiles, the majority of which were intercepted outside Israeli borders.

Among them were more than 10 cruise missiles. Hagari noted that the Iranian assault consisted of over 200 drones and missiles, resulting in light damage to one Israeli military facility.

Despite the initial alarm, the Israeli military later announced that residents were not advised to seek shelter, signaling the diminishing threat.

In response to the attack, an unnamed Israeli official cited by Channel 12 TV indicated that there would be a “significant response” from Israel.

The escalation follows Iran‘s vow to retaliate for what it claims was an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate earlier in April, which resulted in the deaths of seven officers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations warned of severe consequences if Israel were to provoke further conflict but also stated that Iran deemed the matter concluded.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep alarm over the escalating tensions, emphasizing the risk of a devastating region-wide escalation. The U.N. Security Council convened following Israel’s request to condemn Iran’s attack and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

U.S. President Joe Biden, who had cautioned Iran against such actions just a day prior, swiftly returned to Washington to meet with his national security advisers. Biden reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s security.

The conflict between Israel and Iran comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, exacerbated by the prolonged Gaza war between Israel and Hamas. Clashes have spread to Lebanon and Syria, with reports of drone launches against Israel from Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group.

As the situation continues to unfold, the conflict threatens to escalate into a direct confrontation between Iran and its allies against Israel and its primary supporter, the United States. Regional powers, including Egypt, have called for utmost restraint to prevent further escalation.

While Israel and Iran have long been adversaries, their conflicts have predominantly unfolded through proxies or targeted operations in third countries. However, recent events underscore the growing risk of direct confrontation between the two nations and their respective allies.